Allegany County, Maryland

Allegany County Local Guide

Get to Know Allegany County

Allegany County brings together Cumberland, Frostburg, the Georges Creek Valley and eastern mountain communities. Use this guide to distinguish county, municipal and utility responsibilities and explore local history and outdoor places.

Stone portal and towpath at Paw Paw Tunnel
Paw Paw Tunnel entrance (official website, opens in a new tab)Photo: National Park Service / S. Spencer

Allegany County was formed from Washington County in 1789, with Cumberland as its county seat. Mountain gaps, the Potomac River, the National Road, canal and railways shaped how people and goods moved through the region.

Cumberland’s canal terminus and museums, Frostburg’s rail connections and the Georges Creek Valley’s industrial sites offer different perspectives on local history. Forests and mountain parks add an outdoor counterpart to these towns.

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