Like other cities in the D.C./Maryland/Virginia region, Frederick, Maryland, has preserved relics of its Civil War history. The city's architecture is a mix of pre-1800s structures and modern buildings. Perhaps part of the reason why city planners and residents have taken measures to restore and preserve Frederick's Civil War-era buildings is because this war had such a significant impact on the city.

No battles took place within its limits, but Frederick played a key role in the Civil War nonetheless. The Maryland Legislature met in Frederick and made the fateful decision that the state would not secede from the Union. (That decision didn't necessarily reflect the attitudes of Frederick residents, who had conflicting opinions on Maryland's appropriate position in response to wartime conflicts.) Because troops often made their way through Frederick on their way to battle sites, residents contributed their hard work and their resources to provide soldiers with supplies.

Years later, after World War II ended, Frederick's economy shifted from a proliferation of small manufacturing facilities to the growth of its retail sector. A network of highways spurred the growth of Frederick's population and attracted many residents who lived here but worked in other cities. One of Frederick's biggest challenges has been the revitalization of its downtown sector -- hampered not so much by economic or sociological factors but instead by Mother Nature. Flood-prone Carroll Creek in Frederick has caused considerable damage over the years, prompting city planners to develop a flood control project both as an insurance policy against future floods and a much-needed boost to historic downtown Frederick.

While making strides toward revitalizing its downtown sector, Frederick also has made a concerted effort to encourage the growth of its cultural offerings. Frederick has two major cultural centers, the Weinberg Center for the Arts and the Delaplaine Center for the Visual Arts, both of which encourage the development of local artists.

Despite the inevitable evolution of its local ecomomy, Frederick is unique in the aspect that several of its original businesses are still active and vital. Among them are schools: Frederick High School (once two separate schools, Boys’ High School and Girls’ High School), Maryland School for the Deaf and Hood College; Landis Jewelry Store, Frederick Brick Works and Southern Printing and Manufacturing Company. One of the city's most influential World War II-era businesses, Fort Detrick, still stands. This biotechnology center, whose researchers analyzed biological warfare during World War II, remains on the cutting edge of research.

For visitors, Frederick offers a unique opportunity to walk among one of the country's most historic districts. Within a single block, you'll spot an assortment of 19th and early 20th century residential and commercial architectural styles, including Queen Anne, Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival, Neoclassical and Italianate. Although their styles exude the influences of vastly different regions, most of these buildings are made of brick or stone (which is why many of them have withstood the test of time).

A large percentage of the commerical buildings in the Historic District have been converted from residential buildings and portray similar 19th and early 20th century architecture. As you venture away from the Historic District, you'll see other relics of the Civil War era, including battlefields (such as Antietam and Monocacy) and covered bridges.

In addition to reliving history, you'll want to take advantage of Frederick's other offerings, which include a large number of antique shops, art galleries and studios, wineries and vineyards, specialty shops and farmer's markets.

Maintaining a careful balance between residential and business growth is one of Frederick's top priorities because that balance is viewed as an important determinant of the city's ultimate economic security. The need to maintain that balance, however, hasn't hurt the growth of its residential sector. More than 20 residential developments are in the works in Frederick, with more planned in the future. City leaders are confident that Frederick's population growth will keep up with its housing construction. Frederick's home prices are comparatively lower than those in D.C., Baltimore and other suburbs located closer to the Beltway. Its quality of life is high, boosted by its quality schools, wooded neighborhoods, rural flavor and relatively uncongested streets.

Frederick is a fascinating mix of old and new. Its population is one that appreciates a Queen Anne-style residence as well as a modern home in a new residential development. New businesses on the cutting edge of technology set up shop a short distance from Civil War battlefields and quaint covered bridges. Frederick is a city that won't soon forget its past. Nor will it turn a blind eye to the forces of change. By making an effort to strike a balance between history and development, residential and business growth, Frederick is determined to build and maintain a distinctly different city.