Washington County, is located in Western Maryland, bordered by Pennsylvania on the North and West Virginia on the South. It was created from Frederick County in 1776 and was named in honor of George Washington.
Washington County is the heart of the fruit industry in Maryland. Apple and peach growers harvest over 26 million pounds each year. Dairying is also very important in Washington County. In addition to milk and fruit, the chief agricultural goods are cereal grains.
A rich historical heritage adds to the attractions for tourists. Antietam National Battlefield is located in the Sharpsburg area. Approximately 350,000 visitors tour the battlefield each year. It was at Antietam, during the Civil War, that the bloodiest single-day battle in American history took place. The county seat is Hagerstown.
