Garrett County, named after John Garrett, the first President of the Western Maryland Railroad, forms the northwestern edge of Maryland. It is considered Maryland's mountaintop playground; one-fifth of the County consists of parks, lakes, and publicly-owned park land. It lies within the highest altitudes of Maryland's Allegany Mountains, and thus enjoys a mild summer climate that precludes the need for air conditioning on even the hottest days. At the turn of the century, Presidents and other Washington residents were drawn to this summer playground. They came by train to enjoy the welcome relief from oppressive Lower Potomac heat and humidity.
Today, year-round recreation is supported by the unique mountain climate that brings beautiful Fall days for hunting and sight-seeing, snowy Winters for skiing and snowmobiling, fresh Springs for trout fishing in the lakes and rivers, and balmy summers for hiking, biking, and water-sports on Deep Creek Lake. Garrett County's 750 businesses employ 9,250 people; 9 of these businesses have 100 or more workers.
Major private employers include Flushing Shirt Co., Harbison-Walker Refractories, The Data Entry Company, Inc., and the Mettiki Coal Corporation. Central Garrett Industrial Park, the Southern Garrett Industrial Park, and the Northern Garrett Industrial Park are State enterprise zones.
| County Seat | Oakland |
| Government | Three commissioners elected at large for four-year terms |
| Elevation | Ranges from 900 to 3,300 feet above sea level |
| Land Area | 662 square miles |
| Elevation | 2,462 feet |
| Area of lake at full pool | 3,900 acres |
| Average depth | 26 1/2 feet |
| Maximum depth | 72 feet |
| Summer surface temperature | 73 degrees F |
| Summer bottom temperature | 49 degrees F |
| Ice cover in midwinter | 18 inches, approx. |
| Average yearly precipitation | 47.32" |
| Average yearly snowfall | 82.0" |
| Average summer temperature | 65.9 degrees F |
| Average winter temperature | 28.0 degrees F |
| Average duration of freeze free period | 122 days |
| Miles | Kilometers | |
| Baltimore, MD | 188 | 303 |
| Boston, MA | 558 | 898 |
| Chicago, IL | 473 | 761 |
| New York, NY | 365 | 587 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 282 | 454 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 106 | 171 |
| Richmond, VA | 234 | 377 |
| Washington, DC | 171 | 275 |
| Name | Population |
| Accident | 349 |
| Deer Park | 419 |
| Friendsville | 574 |
| Grantsville | 495 |
| Kitzmiller | 275 |
| Loch Lynn Hts. | 461 |
| Mt. Lake Park | 1,941 |
| Oakland | 1,741 |
| Number: | 10 Elementary, 4 Middle/Combined, 2 High | 10 Private Schools | |
| Enrollment: | 5,108 (1992-93) | 186 (1992-93) | |
| Cost per Pupil: | $5,020 (1991-92) | ||
| Staff/1,000 students | 76 (1992-93) | ||
| Educational Attainment - age 25 and over: | ||
| High School Graduate or Higher | 68.4% | |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 9.5% |
Both secondary schools in the county offer career/technical programs and include courses in agriculture production, carpentry, comprehensive homemaking, drafting, electrical operations, food management, general office clerks, machine tool operation, mechanics, and stenographics. More than 1,200 students were enrolled in occupational vocational courses. Garrett Community College also offers career/technical programs.
Garrett Community College, a two-year college, has an enrollment of over 700. More than 35,000 students are enrolled in 6 colleges and 1 university that are located within 60 miles of Oakland.
Located on Bumble Bee Road near McHenry, 2 miles from Deep Creek Lake. Airport has a 3,000 foot asphalt landing strip with pilot activated runway lights for night fliers. Offers charter service, aerial photography, banner towing, and ground transportation. For more information call (301) 387-4100.
Located in Oakland, 1 block off Route 219 on the corner of 4th Street & Memorial Drive. Emergency Department provides 24-hour physician services. Inpatient areas include 61 med/surg beds, 7 obstetrical beds, 4 coronary/intensive care unit beds, a progressive care unit, 4 pediatric beds, and a fully equipped surgical suite. Services available include outpatient surgery, cardiac treatment, dietary counseling, EEG and EKG testing, IV therapy, vasular lab services, ultrasound, laboratory, mammography, nuclear medicine testing, physical therapy, radiology, respiratory therapy, social work, blood pressure screening, Pacer clinic, positive parenting program, and community wellness programs. The Garrett County Health Department, with full services, is located in the hospital.
There are three industrial parks throughout the County ranging in size
from 40 to 100 acres. Most sites are served by all utilities. The park in
the southern part of the County has rail availability, while the sites in
the northern part have ready access to the National Freeway (I-68). Prices
for fully developed industrial sites range from $6,500 to $12,500 per acre.
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