Taneytown: A Walk Through Maryland's Tiny Town

One cool thing about traveling in a tiny house on wheels is that Theresa and I take notice of other tiny things real quickly. Taneytown, Maryland is just a stone's throw south of the Pennsylvania state line. Since we lived in or near Gettysburg for almost 17 years, we were very familiar with the northern counties of Maryland, including the little town of Taneytown.

Taneytown was the indigenous home to the Tuscarora Indians. Long before white settlers appeared, most native tribes had migrated south over the mountains.

In 1745, Europeans settling the area signed The Treaty of Six Nations, which gave them legal rights to the land and protection from Indian attacks in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia.

Taneytown was founded in 1754 when the first land grants were issued. Edward Diggs and Raphael Taney secured nearly 7,900 acres. By 1762, lots were divvied up and land deeds registered. Taney lived in St. Mary's County and likely never lived near Taneytown. However, he did assist with laying out the town and named it after himself.

Located in Carroll County, Maryland, Taneytown has a rich history that includes a historic visit from George Washington.

In 1850, Taneytown's population was an humble 285. It didn't grow past 500 until the 1870s and surpassed 1,000 residents in the 1930s. Its largest growth period was between 1970 and 1980 when it grew 51.2 percent to reach a Census population of 2,618. Today, there are more than 7,000 residents of the small town.

During the Civil War, Union General George Meade made Taneytown his headquarters for awhile. Another Union general named Jacob Lauman was born there.

New York Congressman Joseph A. Goulden spent summers in Taneytown while growing up. Actor Fred Gwynn, who played Herman Munster on the popular TV series The Munsters, died in Taneytown. Country rock-folk singer and songwriter Steve Earle has written a song about Taneytown.

Theresa and I enjoyed our tour of Taneytown. We think you will to. You can check it out on our YouTube channel.

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