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Jessup, MD

Frequently asked questions

Jessup, MD

Jessup is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Howard and Anne Arundel counties, about 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Baltimore, Maryland, United States. Per the 2020 census, the population was 10,535.

Jessup MD is located at 39°08′18″N 76°46′30″W (39.138374, −76.774929). According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.3 square miles (13.6 km²), all land. As of the 2010 census, the center of population for the state of Maryland is located on the grounds of the Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center in Jessup.

Jessup is located near the site of the historic Spurrier's Tavern, a farm and tavern located on the post road between Baltimore and Washington (Route One) where George Washington traveled regularly.

The location of the town was named Pierceland on early maps, but the post-civil war name more commonly given was Jessup's Cut, or Jessop's Cut, a post village in Howard County on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The name is generally attributed to Jonathan Jessup, a civil engineer who worked on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the hand-dug "cut" through Merrill's Ridge he managed as a project. The crews took over 200,000 tons of clay from the clay hill that blocked the trains in freezing weather. The clay was turned into bricks by some of the prisoners from the Maryland Penitentiary who also worked at the Maryland House of Corrections when it was being built. Some of those inmates were then transferred to the House of Correction and they knew the walls were made from Jessup's Cut, hence "the CUT". The name was shortened to Jessups in 1963. Into the mid-20th century, the town was called "Jessups", then was shortened to "Jessup".

Since the mid-19th century, the area has been home to various penal institutions. Inmates today still refer to these jails as "the cut," probably unaware of the origin of the name. The Maryland House of Correction, operated by the Maryland Department of Corrections, included a large onsite farm manned with prison labor to provide food for prisoners onsite and offsite. Prisoner labor was discouraged by job seekers in the 1970s much as it did 100 years earlier during the construction of the B&O at Jessup's cut. The State-run Maryland Food Center occupies the land. The prison closed to inmates in 2007. The prison is referred to several times in the NBC television series Homicide: Life on the Street and the HBO original series, The Wire. Even though the maximum security prison is now closed, the town still houses a major minimum security prison, Brockbridge Correctional Facility, for violent offenders who are not deemed a threat to society due to the nature of their crimes.

Jessup MD places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Shakthi Health and Wellness - Elkridge and Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center offer comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Maximum Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. The Beach House Spa provides a relaxing escape with its range of spa services, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. For those looking for a high-intensity workout, SOLDIERFIT Columbia offers military-style fitness training that challenges both the body and mind. LiveNow Fitness focuses on personalized training programs to help individuals reach their health goals. If you're interested in swimming, Pearl Krongard Swim School offers comprehensive swimming lessons for all ages.

Top sites in Jessup, MD: Jessup Park, Guilford Park, Sky Zone Trampoline Park.

ZIP code: 20794. Area code: 240, 301, 410, 443. Elevation: 217 ft (66 m). Area: 6.05 sq mi (15.68 km²). Population: 10,535 (2020)

FAQs

What county is Jessup, MD?

Jessup is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Howard and Anne Arundel counties, about 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Baltimore, Maryland, United States. Per the 2020 census, the population was 10,535. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.3 square miles (13.6 km2), all land.

Is Jessup, MD a good place to live?

Jessup is in Anne Arundel County. Living in Jessup offers residents a suburban rural mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Jessup, there are a lot of parks. Residents of Jessup tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Jessup are above average.

What are the demographics of Jessup, MD?

Jessup is a city located in Anne Arundel County and Howard County Maryland. Jessup has a 2024 population of 8,746. Jessup is currently declining at a rate of -4.67% annually and its population has decreased by -16.37% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 10,458 in 2020.  According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Jessup was: Black or African American: 53.7%, White: 33.66%, Two or more races: 5.77%, Asian: 5.72%, Other race: 0.55%, Native American: 0.54%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.06%

Sources

Howard County

Wikipedia

Niche

World Population Review

Jessup Park

Guilford Park

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Shakthi Health and Wellness - Elkridge

Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center

Maximum Fitness

Beach House Spa

SOLDIERFIT Columbia

LiveNow Fitness

Pearl Krongard Swim School

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