Rockville, Maryland, is the seat of Montgomery County and 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 [1].
• 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 [2].

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 [3].
• 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 [4].

Civil War Period (1861–1865)

Like much of Maryland, Rockville 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 [5].
• 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 [6].

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 [7].

Mid-20th Century: Suburban Boom and Incorporation

• 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 [8].
• City incorporation: Rockville was officially incorporated in 1860, allowing it to govern itself as a city. The post-war period of the 1950s and 1960s saw the city’s most dramatic growth as suburban sprawl took hold in Montgomery County [9].

Late 20th Century and Today: A Thriving Suburb

• Growth as a commercial hub: Rockville evolved into a center for commerce and government, with many businesses, shopping malls, and government offices established in the area [10].

Endnotes

1. “Historical Development of Rockville,” Peerless Rockville.
2. “Formation of Montgomery County,” Maryland State Archives.
3. “Rockville as the County Seat,” Montgomery History Journal.
4. “19th Century Growth of Rockville,” Rockville Historical Society.
5. “Civil War in Maryland,” National Park Service.
6. “Post-Civil War Growth in Montgomery County,” Peerless Rockville.
7. “Impact of the B&O Railroad,” Montgomery History Journal.
8. “Suburban Boom in Rockville,” Maryland Historical Magazine.
9. “City Incorporation Timeline,” Rockville City Records.
10. “Modern Rockville and Its Development,” Peerless Rockville.