Gaithersburg in Montgomery County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Business of Agriculture:

Cannery and Mills

Photographed By Tom Fuchs, November 3, 2007

1. The Business of Agriculture marker

Inscription. As the area's agricultural community flourished and the railroad was introduced, Gaithersburg soon became the commercial hub of the mid-county region. The Gaithersburg town center shifted from Frederick Avenue to Diamond Avenue near the train station and along the railroad tracks. Commercial mills and a cannery sprang up, providing a local market for area farmers, offering jobs, and fueling the economic growth of the community. Built in 1917, Thomas and Company Cannery and its store house were located on the corner of Chestnut Street and West Diamond Avenue. The cannery ran day and night during the peak summer months, processing corn, pumpkins, and peas. It employed not only locals but also migrant workers, many of whom settled in Gaithersburg. The Bowman Mill, one of several local mills spurred by the coming of the railroad, was built by the Bowman Brothers in 1919. The town gradually shifted from farming village to thriving shipping and receiving center for market goods.

(Photo caption): The Bowman Mill

Erected by City of Gaithersburg.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.

Location. 39° 8.502′ N, 77° 11.564′ W. Marker

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is in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in Montgomery County. Marker can be reached from South Summit Avenue just south of East Diamond Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg MD 20877, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Early Years (here, next to this marker); Gaithersburg Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department (here, next to this marker); Serving the Community's Health Care Needs (here, next to this marker); A Center of Culture and Commerce (here, next to this marker); Building The Future (here, next to this marker); The Schwartz House / Gaithersburg City Hall / Schwartz Peony Garden (here, next to this marker); Supplying an Agricultural Community (here, next to this marker); The Gaithersburg School (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gaithersburg.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,190 times since then and 12 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on November 6, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland.