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Cumberland, MD

Frequently asked questions

Cumberland, MD

Cumberland is a city in and the county seat of Allegany County, Maryland, United States. At the 2020 census, the city had a population of 19,075. Located on the Potomac River, Cumberland is a regional business and commercial center for Western Maryland and the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia. It is the primary city of the Cumberland metropolitan area, which had 95,044 residents in 2020.

Historically, Cumberland was known as the "Queen City" as it was once the second largest in the state. Because of its strategic location on what became known as the Cumberland Road through the Appalachians, after the American Revolution it served as a historical outfitting and staging point for westward emigrant trail migrations throughout the first half of the 1800s. In this role, it supported the settlement of the Ohio Country and the lands in that latitude of the Louisiana Purchase. It also became an industrial center, served by major roads, railroads, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which connected Cumberland to Washington, D.C., and is now a national historical park. Today, Interstate 68 bisects the town.

The industry declined after World War II, leading urban, business, and technological development in the state to be concentrated in eastern coastal cities. Today, the Cumberland metropolitan area is one of the poorest in the United States, ranking 305th out of 318 metropolitan areas in per capita income.

Cumberland is in the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians at the junction of the North Branch Potomac River and Wills Creek. The majority of the land within the city lies in a valley created by the junction of these two streams. Interstate 68 runs through the city in an east-west direction, as does Alternate U.S. 40, the Old National Road. U.S. Highway 220 runs north–south. Parts of Wills Mountain, Haystack Mountain, and Shriver Ridge are also within the city limits. Opposite Cumberland along the Potomac River is Ridgeley, West Virginia.

The abandoned Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is now part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The canal's towpath is maintained, allowing travel by foot, horse, or bicycle between Cumberland and Washington, D.C., a distance of approximately 185 miles (298 km). In recent years, a separate trail/path extension, called the Great Allegheny Passage, has been developed that leads to Pittsburgh as its western terminus. Cumberland is the only city of at least 20,000 residents, outside of the Pittsburgh and DC metro areas, that lies on this combined 300+ mile stretch.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.15 square miles (26.29 km²), of which 10.08 square miles (26.11 km²) is land and 0.07 square miles (0.18 km²) is water.

Health and wellness are significant aspects of life in Cumberland. The city boasts numerous healthcare facilities, including the UPMC Western Maryland, providing residents with access to quality medical services. Western Maryland Hospital Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Planet Fitness provides a comprehensive gym experience with state-of-the-art equipment and classes. Start your journey at the YMCA of Cumberland, where you can participate in a wide range of fitness programs and community activities. For a more personalized fitness experience, check out Life Fitness Management and BAM Fitness and Nutrition, both offering top-notch training facilities. If you're looking for relaxation and rejuvenation, visit the Elements Wellness Spa and Fitness Center. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the various trails and parks, including the scenic paths at the Great Allegheny Passage.

The top sites in Cumberland, MD: Allegany Museum, Rocky Gap State Park, and Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.

Elevation: 626 ft (191 m). ZIP code: 21502. Area code(s): 301, 240. Area: 10.15 square miles (26.29 km²). Population: 19,076 (2020).

FAQs

What is Cumberland, MD famous for?

Cumberland was a key road, railroad, and canal junction during the 19th century and at one time the second largest city in Maryland (second to the port city of Baltimore—hence its nickname "The Queen City"). The surrounding hillsides provided coal, iron ore, and timber that helped supply the Industrial Revolution. In addition, the city was a major manufacturing center, with industries in glass, breweries, fabrics, and tinplate.

Is Cumberland, MD a nice place to live?

Cumberland is in Allegany County. Living in Cumberland offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Cumberland, there are a lot of parks. Many retirees live in Cumberland and residents tend to be conservative.

Is Cumberland, MD worth visiting?

Tree-lined streets, small-town ambiance, and an arts community that will surprise you tucked away in the Maryland mountains. If quality of life is important to you, your family, your business, your lifestyle - then take the time to discover Cumberland. You'll come for a visit, but stay for a lifetime.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Cumberland

Niche

Allegany Museum

Rocky Gap State Park

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

UPMC Western Maryland

Western Maryland Hospital Center

Planet Fitness

YMCA of Cumberland

Life Fitness Management

BAM Fitness and Nutrition

Elements Wellness Spa and Fitness Center

Great Allegheny Passage

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.