Cumberland in Allegany County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Cumberland
Historic City Center
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones, September 12, 2026
1. Cumberland Marker
The City of Cumberland was established on January 20, 1787, by an act of the Maryland State Legislature. Cumberland began its life as a British fort serving notable figures like George Washington, and it quickly grew to become a thriving town, nestled among the natural beauty and serenity of the Allegheny Mountains. Cumberland formed a natural "gateway to the west," connecting the American western frontier to the eastern seaboard through a convergence of the C&O Canal, Western Potomac, major roads, and railroads. The city was referred to as "The Queen City" due to it being the second largest city along the Potomac River. By the early 20th century, Cumberland was a major transportation, industrial, manufacturing, and mining hub for the emerging nation, servicing major railroads such as the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. From the C&O Canal to the National Road, Cumberland has always used transportation to fuel its economy.
By the mid-20th century, declining economics and the restructuring of industry across the mid-Atlantic began the downturn of a once booming city. In 1978, the city made the decision to convert its downtown
this page online
The City of Cumberland is utilizing transportation yet again to forge its future by designing a streetscape to reconnect motorists from the Interstate to pedestrians and bicyclists from the Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath to its great city. Baltimore Street serves as a bridge between Cumberland's long history of rail travel and Cumberland's more modern identity as a trail town. It continues Cumberland's history as a major travel destination that embraces its visitors who come by water, by rail, by car, and now by bicycle. The area in which you are standing is a testament to the perseverance of the City of
Erected by City of Cumberland, Maryland.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal, and the The Historic National Road series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is January 20, 1787.
Location. 39° 39.113′ N, 78° 45.625′ W. Marker is in Cumberland, Maryland, in Allegany County. It is on Baltimore Street east of North Centre Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 133 Baltimore St, Cumberland MD 21502, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Western Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Cumberland (within shouting distance of this marker); Capture of Generals B.F. Kelly and George Crook (within shouting distance of this marker); Christ's (St. Paul's) Lutheran Church (within shouting distance of this marker); A Boom for Cumberland (within shouting distance of this marker); The First National Bank and Trust Company of Western Maryland (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Cumberland (about 400 feet away); B’er Chayim (Well of Life) Congregation (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cumberland.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 2 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 13, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
