Poolesville is not simply a suburb that sprouted around the outskirts of a major city.  Instead, it is a true, independent community that has a long history. Since the Town's beginnings as a settlement in the colonial days, it has developed a supportive economic and cultural life that has made it unique in character from other suburban areas ringing Washington. D.C.

In 1950, Poolesville was still a rural town with a strong agriculture base and only 58 single family homes.  Today, Poolesville has over 1,600 homes, several business establishments, and an elementary, middle and high school, which was ranked as one of the top ten schools in Maryland by Washingtonian Magazine.  Prior to 1968, the predominant activity in the area was farming.  Today, most residents work along the I-270 corridor, in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, or Frederick, Maryland.

Despite its growth, much of the rural character and charm of Poolesville remains.  The Town sits right in the middle of the 90,000 plus acre Agriculture Reserve and farming remains an active part of Town life.  Poolesville has a long history and roots that run deep, including local families whose ancestors lived in and setteled the Town and its surrounding areas.  The Town was a key crossroads during the Civil War and large encampments of soldiers bivouacked in and around Poolesville.

Much of what gives Poolesville its character is the Town's Old Town Center and its associated historic structures. Successive town governments have made efforts to preserve historical buildings and encourage the construction of new buildings that fit the small town, historic character of Poolesville.  The Town's old bank building - once the Town Hall - has been sold to the Historic Medley District to be preserved.  The John Poole House - the original house and store of the Town's namesake - is preserved and open to visitors. Many older buildings remain in the Central Business District.

The Town's historical legacy is enhanced by its location in beautiful rural surroundings.  Nearby are many points of historical and natural interests such as Sugarloaf Mountain, White's Ferry, and the C&O Canal National Park.  Check out our links and begin to enjoy the Poolesville experience.