Leslie Massey
Brunswick, Maryland is a small city in southwestern Frederick County, with a population of around 7,000 to 8,000 people. It is known for its railroading history and is located on the north bank of the Potomac River. The city offers a mix of suburban and small-town living, with a range of amenities, including schools, parks, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Brunswick is also known for its historic buildings and its access to recreational activities on the C&O Canal and Potomac River, making it a popular place for outdoor enthusiasts. The city has seen a revival in recent years, with new businesses, public art installations, and a growing community of families and young professionals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Southwestern Frederick County, Maryland, United States |
| Population | 7,781-8,211 |
| Population Density (2010) | 1,795.1 inhabitants per square mile |
| Median Household Income | $53,232 |
| Racial Makeup | 86.3% White, 7.5% African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 1.2% other, 3.2% two or more races |
| Ethnic Diversity | 4.9% Hispanic or Latino |
| Primary Method of Travel | Road |
| Main Highways | Maryland Route 17, Maryland Route 464, Maryland Route 79, Maryland Route 180, Maryland Route 871, U.S. Route 340 |
| Train Connections | MARC commuter trains to Washington, D.C. |
| Schools | Frederick Classical Charter School, Hillsboro Charter Academy, Monocacy Valley Montessori Public Charter School, Carroll Creek Montessori Public Charter School, Brunswick Elementary School, Brunswick Middle School, Brunswick High School |
| Attractions | C&O Canal National Historical Park, Appalachian Trail, Brunswick Heritage Museum, Beans in the Belfry (café with live music), Potomac Street Grill, Smoketown Brewing Station, Box Car Burgers |
What You'll Learn
The city's history and museums
The city of Brunswick, Maryland, has a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century when the area was originally inhabited by the Susquehanna Native American Tribe. In 1728, the first settlement was established, and the region became known as Eel Town, derived from the natives' practice of fishing for eel in the Potomac River. The land was later granted to John Hawkins by George II of Great Britain in 1753, who named it "Hawkins Merry-Peep-o-Day".
Over time, the land was sold and platted by Leonard Smith in 1787, who renamed it "Berlin" due to the significant German settlement in the area. However, as there was already a Berlin on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the post office changed the town's name to "Barry". The town continued to grow and prosper, and in 1890, it was officially incorporated as "Brunswick".
Brunswick played a significant role in the development of railroads in the region. Established along the now-defunct Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, the city became a hub for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Between 1891 and 1912, the railroad company constructed a six-mile-long rail yard along the Potomac River, which boosted the population of Brunswick to over 5,000, making it virtually a company town. The railroad reduced its operations in the 1950s, but the city remains a commuter rail station serving Washington, D.C.
The Brunswick Heritage Museum, formerly known as the Brunswick Railroad Museum, showcases the city's history and the importance of railroads in the region. The museum features three floors of exhibits, including railroad memorabilia, information about life in Brunswick during different time periods, and a large HO-scale model railroad layout depicting the B&O Railroad's Metropolitan line from Washington, D.C., to Brunswick in the late 1950s. The museum is housed in a historic building, the former Improved Order of Red Men fraternal lodge, which was built in 1904.
In addition to the museum, Brunswick also hosts several annual events that celebrate the city's heritage, such as "Railroad Days" and the Veterans Day Parade, which has taken place annually since 1932. The city's historic downtown, along Potomac Street, offers a variety of businesses, including antique stores, restaurants, and a brewpub.
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Outdoor activities
Brunswick, Maryland is a great place to visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Located on the north bank of the Potomac River, the city offers a variety of outdoor activities for all ages and interests.
One of the most popular outdoor attractions in Brunswick is the C&O Canal Towpath, which was once used to transport goods and passengers but now serves as a popular destination for walking, cycling, and running. The towpath stretches for 184 miles and is one of the most visited national parks in the country. It provides access to the Appalachian Trail and offers a unique way to explore the historic town of Harpers Ferry, just a six-mile bike ride away.
For those who enjoy water activities, the Potomac River is a great place to spend the day. Visitors can go kayaking, take a guided adventure to nearby wineries or breweries, or spend a relaxing night at the Brunswick Family Campground. The river also offers fishing and boating opportunities, and River and Trail Outfitters provide equipment and guided tours.
Brunswick is also home to abundant parks, offering a quiet escape from the town. Maryland Heights is a popular destination for hiking, and the city's proximity to Frederick, Maryland, provides access to even more outdoor activities, including kayaking, tubing, and bicycle paths.
In addition to its outdoor attractions, Brunswick also boasts a vibrant downtown scene with public art installations, murals, and musical events. The city is known for its railroading history, and visitors can learn more at the Brunswick Heritage Railroad Museum. With its small-town charm and easy access to nature, Brunswick, Maryland, is a great destination for those seeking outdoor adventures.
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Transport links
Brunswick, Maryland, is served by the Maryland Transit Administration (MARC), which operates a Brunswick-Washington commuter rail line. The line runs through Martinsburg, Duffields, Harpers Ferry, Point of Rocks, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, and Union Station in Washington. The service operates from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
All MARC trains accommodate full-size, non-collapsible bikes, with two bungee cords required for securement. Bicycles can board at doors displaying illuminated green lights or a large green reflective decal with the bike symbol.
The Brunswick Link provides an additional public transit service for Brunswick, with buses running from 6:45 am to 6:30 pm, Monday to Friday. The service includes 27 stops located in-town, on Brunswick Landing, and throughout the Cook's Corner area, with connections to the METRO BREEZ, Concord Coach, or the Amtrak Downeaster. All buses are accessible for riders with disabilities, with ramps available upon request.
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Population and demographics
Brunswick, Maryland is a small city with a population of over 7,000 residents, according to a 2022 census. The population has been steadily increasing over the years, with 4,894 residents recorded in the 2000 census, and 5,870 in the 2010 census. The population density in 2010 was 1,795.1 inhabitants per square mile (693.1/km2).
Brunswick is located in southwestern Frederick County, on the north bank of the Potomac River. The area was originally home to the Susquehanna Native American Tribe, and the first settlement was built in 1728, known as Eel Town due to the natives' fishing practices. The town was incorporated in 1890 and became a hub for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which led to a population boom.
Today, Brunswick is a mix of small-town living and proximity to larger cities. It offers a sparse suburban feel, and most residents own their homes. The city has a mix of families, young professionals, and older residents, with a median age of 36.9 years. The gender makeup is fairly evenly split, with a slight majority of females (50.9%) to males (49.1%). The racial makeup, as of the 2010 census, was predominantly White (86.3%), with smaller populations of African Americans (7.5%), Native Americans (0.2%), Asians (1.7%), and other races. The population is also diverse in terms of educational attainment, with a range of residents holding a high school diploma, some college or associate's degree, a master's degree, or higher.
The public schools in Brunswick are above average, and the city offers modern facilities and amenities for its residents, including fire and ambulance services, churches, healthcare providers, a library, parks, and a heritage museum. The city has a strong sense of community, with passionate locals who are invested in its revival and embrace its bright future.
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Schools and education
Brunswick, Maryland, is served by Frederick County Public Schools, which includes Brunswick Elementary School, Brunswick Middle School, and Brunswick High School.
Elementary School
Brunswick Elementary School serves students in pre-kindergarten through to grade 5. The school has a new building, which opened in 2023, and reviews suggest that it has excellent teachers and administrators. However, there is also a review that mentions a lack of support for special education.
Middle School
Brunswick Middle School serves students in grades 6 through 8 and has around 618 students enrolled.
High School
Brunswick High School is ranked #4,778 in the National Rankings and #86 in Maryland High Schools. It serves grades 9 through 12 and has around 848 students enrolled. The student-teacher ratio is 19:1, and the school offers Advanced Placement® coursework and exams, with a participation rate of 34%. The school's graduation rate is over 90%, and students show high proficiency in reading, with 60-64% proficiency in math and 80-84% in reading. Reviews suggest that Brunswick High School has a tight-knit and supportive community, with a wide variety of clubs and extracurricular activities. The school is also praised for its block scheduling and dual-enrollment college classes. However, some reviews mention a lack of representation on the school board and a need for improvements to the facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Brunswick is located on the north bank of the Potomac River, and it offers access to recreational activities on the river and the C&O Canal. The C&O Canal's 184-mile-long towpath has become one of the most visited national parks in the US. The Appalachian Trail is also accessible from the C&O Canal.
Brunswick has a vibrant downtown with a mix of small businesses and retail chain stores. The historic commercial district features a bike shop, antique stores, restaurants, a brewpub, a yoga studio, and live music performances at Beans in the Belfry, a cafe in a restored church. The city also has abundant parks, fishing spots, and boating on the Potomac River.
Brunswick has a population of around 7,000 to 8,000 residents. The city has a sparse suburban feel, and most residents own their homes. Families and young professionals make up a significant portion of the population, and the political leanings tend to be conservative.
Brunswick hosts "Railroad Days" on the first weekend in October, a festival celebrating the city's railroading heritage. Another major annual event is the Veterans Day Parade, which has taken place annually since 1932. Other events include the Wine and Chocolate Walk, Farmers' Market, Arts in the Parks, and Little League opening day.
The area now known as Brunswick was originally home to the Susquehanna Native American Tribe. The first settlement was built in 1728, and the region became known as Eel Town due to the natives' practice of fishing for eel in the Potomac River. The town's early history is closely tied to railroading and transportation, particularly the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which established a rail yard along the Potomac River in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
