Rockville, Maryland, the seat of Montgomery County, has a rich history dating back centuries. Located northwest of Washington, D.C., Rockville has evolved from a small colonial village to a bustling suburban city that plays an integral role in the broader history of the Washington metropolitan area. Below is an overview of key periods and events in Rockville, MD’s history.

Early History and Colonial Period (Pre-1800)

Rockville’s history stretches back to the indigenous peoples who originally inhabited the area, including members of the Piscataway tribe. European settlers began arriving in the 18th century, and the region became part of the colonial lands in Maryland.

• Early settlement: By the early 1700s, the area that would become Rockville was part of the land granted to European settlers by the British Crown. The first recorded land grants in the area were in the early 1700s when the land was being parceled out to farmers. This area, called “Hungerford’s Tavern” at the time, was a small crossroads settlement that played a key role as a stopping point for travelers between Georgetown (now in Washington, D.C.) and Frederick, Maryland.
• Montgomery County’s formation: In 1776, Montgomery County was formed from part of Frederick County, and Rockville became centrally located within the new county. The community was initially referred to by various names, including “Owen’s Ordinary,” after an early tavern.

The Name “Rockville” and Early 19th Century Development

Rockville received its current name in 1801. The name “Rockville” was believed to be inspired by the nearby Rock Creek, which runs through Montgomery County and Washington, D.C.

• County seat: In 1776, the Maryland General Assembly named Rockville the county seat of Montgomery County, which helped establish it as an important administrative and judicial center. Its location on major stagecoach routes made it a hub for commerce and transportation.
• 19th-century growth: Throughout the 1800s, Rockville remained a small but vital town centered around its courthouse and serving the agricultural communities of Montgomery County. The early town consisted of a few houses, shops, and taverns, with the courthouse being a key structure. Rockville became known for its small-scale industry, agriculture, and trade as it developed.

Civil War Period (1861–1865)

Rockville, like much of Maryland, experienced divided loyalties during the Civil War. Though Maryland remained in the Union, Rockville saw activity from both Union and Confederate forces passing through the region.

• Union and Confederate presence: Both armies moved through the area at various points in the war. Confederate troops, under the command of General J.E.B. Stuart, famously occupied Rockville on their way to Gettysburg in 1863. Union troops also used the town as a stopping point when traveling between Washington, D.C., and points farther north.
• Post-war growth: After the Civil War, Rockville continued to grow steadily. New railroads and improved roads helped increase accessibility, linking the town closely with Washington, D.C., and encouraging suburban growth.

Late 19th Century and Early 20th Century: Suburbanization

The arrival of the Metropolitan Branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1873 was a turning point for Rockville. The railroad connected the town more directly with Washington, D.C., and opened the way for greater suburban development.

• Railroad impact: The railroad brought new residents to Rockville, transforming it from a rural town into a suburban community. Washingtonians began building homes in Rockville, taking advantage of the convenient transportation link.
• Late 19th and early 20th century growth: Rockville saw a boom in housing development and the growth of services, businesses, and civic institutions. The town became desirable for government workers, professionals, and their families to live outside the bustling capital.

Mid-20th Century: Suburban Boom and Incorporation

Like much of Montgomery County and the Washington metropolitan area after World War II, Rockville experienced explosive suburban growth after World War II.

• Post-WWII suburbanization: The economic prosperity of the post-war period, combined with improvements in transportation and infrastructure, led to a housing boom in Rockville. New neighborhoods, schools, and commercial areas were developed, transforming Rockville into a modern suburban city.
• City incorporation: In 1860, Rockville was officially incorporated, allowing it to govern itself as a city. However, the city saw its most dramatic growth in the post-war period of the 1950s and 1960s, when suburban sprawl took hold in Montgomery County. During the Cold War, the development of federal agencies and contractors in the Washington, D.C., region also contributed to Rockville’s rapid expansion.
• Rockville Pike: The commercial corridor known as Rockville Pike (Route 355) emerged as a major hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. As suburban development continued, Rockville Pike became a bustling thoroughfare lined with shopping centers and office buildings.

Late 20th Century and Today: A Thriving Suburb

In the latter half of the 20th century, Rockville evolved into a key economic and cultural center for Montgomery County and became home to diverse residential communities.

• Growth as a commercial hub: As the region grew, Rockville became a center for commerce and government, with many businesses, shopping malls, and government offices established in the area. The Rockville Town Center was revitalized, becoming a focal point for dining, retail, and cultural activities.
• Cultural diversity: In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Rockville became increasingly diverse as people from all over the world moved to the area, drawn by its proximity to Washington, D.C., excellent schools, and economic opportunities. This diversity is reflected in the wide range of restaurants, festivals, and cultural events held in the city.
• Modern Rockville: Today, Rockville is a vibrant city with over 68,000 (as of the 2020 census). It is home to numerous parks, a well-regarded public school system, and a growing tech and bio-health sector due to its proximity to government institutions and research organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Historical Landmarks in Rockville

• Beall-Dawson House: A preserved 19th-century home that now serves as a museum of Rockville and Montgomery County history.
• St. Mary’s Church and Cemetery: The final resting place of F. Scott Fitzgerald, the famed author of The Great Gatsby, who has family roots in the area.
• Rockville Town Square: A modern development that serves as the city’s cultural and civic heart, hosting events, restaurants, and local businesses.

Rockville, Maryland, has transformed from a colonial outpost into a dynamic suburban city. Its history is deeply intertwined with the growth of Montgomery County, and it remains a vital part of the development of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.