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Damascus, MD

Frequently asked questions

Damascus, MD

Damascus is a census-designated place and an unincorporated area in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. In the early 20th century, there existed an incorporated municipality lasting a quarter century. It had a population of 17,224 as of the 2020 census. Damascus is located at the intersection of two major roads in upper Montgomery County: Ridge Road (currently Rt. 27) and Damascus Road (currently Rt. 108).

The name was first used in an official document in 1816 when the United States Congress approved a postal route through the area, operated by Edward Hughes.

As an unincorporated area, Damascus' boundaries are not officially defined. Damascus is recognized by the United States Census Bureau as a census-designated place and by the United States Geological Survey as a populated place located. Damascus proper is a locally high spot at 847 ft (258m) above sea level, while other portions of the area described as Damascus are as high as 866 ft (264m) above sea level. However, the highest elevation in the county is actually within what is considered Mt. Airy, MD, measuring 883 ft (269m) above sea level at the Full Gospel Church. This peak just southwest of Mt. Airy is the highest elevation in the immediately adjacent Washington D.C. suburbs.

Damascus is west of the fall line between the Piedmont of Appalachia and the Atlantic coastal plain. Damascus is known for its rural landscape and family-owned farms. According to the United States Census Bureau, the place has a total area of 9.6 square miles (25 km²), all land. 34

The town is located on Parr's Ridge, a low shale ridge that rises about 300 feet above the surrounding Piedmont. Open hilltops in the area afford pisquerias vistas of the Appalachian Mountains to the southwest, west, and northwest. These ridges include Sugarloaf Mountain and South Mountain, MD, Catoctin Mountain, in MD and PA, and the Blue Ridge of VA. On very clear days, two 4,000-foot-plus peaks in the Shenandoah National Park of VA can be seen 75 miles to the southwest.

Promoting health and wellness is a significant aspect of life in Damascus. The city offers a wide range of health and fitness options for its residents. The Damascus Community Recreation Center serves as a fitness hub, offering well-equipped gyms and a variety of fitness classes. Start your fitness routine at Anytime Fitness or at MMA and Sport, where you can work out at your convenience with 24/7 access to the gym. For those who enjoy group fitness, Fitness 1440 offers a range of classes including yoga, Pilates, and Zumba. Outdoor enthusiasts can visit the Magical Playground for a day of fun and exercise in a family-friendly environment. The Healing Path is another great spot for therapeutic massage and relaxation techniques. The Sage Yoga Damascus offers classes for all levels, promoting mindfulness and flexibility.

Top sites in Damascus, MD are Moyer Road Park, Black Hill Regional Park, and Bennett Creek Conservation Park.

Population: 16,864 (2023). ZIP code: 20872. Elevation: 866 ft (264 m). Area code(s): 301, 240. Area: 9.6 square miles (25 km²).

FAQs

What is the history of Damascus, MD?

The area currently known as Damascus was granted by the new U.S. state of Maryland to Nathaniel Pigman in 1783. On February 14, 1819, War of 1812 veteran Edward Hughes bought a 40-acre (160,000 m²) section of the grant and began subdividing lots for sale. James Madison, the fourth U.S. president, appointed Hughes postmaster of the developing community of Damascus in 1816. Hughes received permission from Congress for a postal route through the town.

How did Damascus, MD get its name?

James Madison, the fourth U.S. president, appointed Hughes postmaster of the developing community of Damascus in 1816. Hughes received permission from Congress for a postal route through the town. Hughes called his town "The Pleasant Plains of Damascus" after Damascus, Syria. The name was first used in an official document in 1816 when the United States Congress approved a postal route through the area, operated by Edward Hughes. 

Is Damascus, MD a good place to live?

Damascus is in Montgomery County and is one of the best places to live in Maryland. Living in Damascus offers residents a suburban rural mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Damascus, there are a lot of parks. The public schools in Damascus are highly rated.

Sources

Wikipedia

Montgomery County

Niche

Moyer Road Park

Black Hill Regional Park

Bennett Creek Conservation Park

Damascus Community Recreation Center

Anytime Fitness

MMA and Sport

Fitness 1440

The Healing Path

Sage Yoga Damascus

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