Westminster, MD

About the Community of Westminster Westminster was named for the Borough of London and currently has a population of 18,951, with approximately 36,000 citizens in the metropolitan area. The City of Westminster attracts people because of its beautiful countryside, quality schools, industrious workforce, and easy accessibility to Baltimore and Washington, DC. Historically, it has been a regional center of mercantile activity since the early 1800s. The original lots were laid out by William Winchester in 1764. The construction of the Baltimore & Reisterstown Turnpike in 1807 brought its first period of growth because it facilitated trade between Baltimore and Pittsburgh. Conestoga wagons and mule drivers constantly passed through the town, with a horse drawn bus line that provided service between Westminster and nearby towns. This made Westminster into a transportation center with numerous businesses opening to serve the travelers and the Town. The railroad came to Westminster in 1861 and with it, the ease of passenger travel and the transport of goods to Baltimore. Modern day Westminster has seen transportation improvements bringing additional growth and development with the creation of MD140 - MD I-795, a new commercial corridor. They have brought dramatic residential growth to the City, increasing the population as it transformed into a “bedroom community” for Baltimore and Washington. Over the past several years, the City has encouraged planned development and has expanded employment opportunities so that its population can work closer to home. Westminster played an important role in the Civil War. Due to the City s proximity to Gettysburg and its rail depot, both Confederate and Union troops passed through Westminster numerous times. On June 29, 1863, a small but extremely important cavalry battle took place in downtown Westminster. Known as Corbit’s Charge, the clash between the cavalry of General J.E.B. Stuart and a unit of the 1st Delaware Cavalry was a significant factor in slowing down Stuart’s march to Gettysburg. To commemorate this battle, the City of Westminster sponsors a series of events during the last weekend in June of each year. Today, downtown Westminster provides a unique shopping, dining, and cultural experience within a small town atmosphere. The Main Street area is pedestrian friendly, with wide sidewalks, mature shade trees, and brick crosswalks. With a broad mix of local retail and service establishments, including regionally recognized specialty shops, downtown Westminster is a shopper’s delight. The renovation of the historic Carroll Theater by the City into the Carroll Arts Center established Westminster as an emerging cultural heritage and arts destination. The Historical Society of Carroll County is dedicated to the research of Piedmont Maryland’s cultural heritage, and the preservation and interpretation of objects significant to the area’s history. Westminster is home to McDaniel College (formerly known as Western Maryland College) which sits on a prominent hill just west of downtown. It offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. It currently has an enrollment of about 1,600 students with a very strong graduate program with another 800-900 enrolled students. Westminster is the county seat of Carroll County, Maryland and covers approximately six and one-half square miles. The city recently constructed two parking decks downtown to ensure ample parking for residents and visitors alike.