Editing Braddock Heights, Maryland (section)

==History==
Braddock Heights is located at an elevation of {{convert|950|ft}} atop Braddock Mountain (as [[Catoctin Mountain]] is locally known) near the pass at Braddock Springs, so named after British General [[Edward Braddock]] and Lt. Colonel [[George Washington]]'s use of the mountain pass on their way to [[Fort Duquesne]] during the [[French and Indian War]] on April 29, 1755. During the [[American Civil War|Civil War]], Braddock Heights was the site of a minor cavalry battle between generals [[J.E.B. Stuart]] (CSA) and [[Alfred Pleasonton]] (USA) on September 13, 1862; it was at that time known as "Fairview Pass". One mile east of Braddock Heights, near the base of Braddock Mountain, are the older communities of Clifton and Old Braddock.

The picturesque view of the city of [[Frederick, Maryland|Frederick]] from Old Braddock, also known as "Fairview", elevation {{convert|550|ft}}, was the inspiration for [[Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.]] to record in his 1862 journal:

{{Cquote|''In approaching Frederick the singular beauty of its clustered spires struck me very much, so that I was not surprised to find Fair View laid down about this point on a railroad map. I wish some wandering photographer would take a picture of the place, a [[stereoscopic]] one, if possible, to show how gracefully, how charmingly, its group of steeples nestles among the Maryland hills. The town has a poetical look from a distance, as if seers and dreamers might dwell there.''}}

This journal entry was in turn an inspiration for Holmes' close friend [[John Greenleaf Whittier]] when composing the famous Civil War poem ''[[Barbara Fritchie]]''.

Braddock Pass is near the locations at which [[Interstate 70 in Maryland|Interstate 70]] and the [[National Road|National Pike]] ([[U.S. Route 40 in Maryland|U.S. Route 40]]) cross [[Catoctin Mountain]]. Braddock Heights was founded in 1896 by George William Smith as a summer resort community that eventually included several hotels, a community pool, a wooden-floor skating rink, an amusement park, scenic overlooks, nature trails, and until 1980, a small ski resort. Braddock Heights has been host to many national political figures, including [[Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.]], [[Edwin Warfield]], President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]], [[Earl Warren]], [[Ethel Kennedy]], and (then) Senator [[Richard Nixon]].

Braddock Heights was one of the first modern planned communities in the United States,{{Citation needed|date=March 2009}} and custom housing development has continued since 1901. Braddock Heights is now known for its eclectic houses and its views of Frederick and the [[Monocacy River|Monocacy]] and [[Middletown Valley|Middletown]] valleys. Following the end of [[World War II]], and the decline of the amusement park, Braddock Heights' demographic changed from commercial summer boarding houses to that of an unincorporated community with permanent residents.

Braddock Heights, similar to the other Maryland cottage parks of [[Pen Mar, Maryland|Pen Mar]] and [[Glen Echo Park, Maryland|Glen Echo]], has evolved into an artisans' community. The Braddock Heights Community Association and the Braddock Heights Historical Society continue to maintain and hold public events at Braddock Heights Park.

Braddock Heights was once home to the oldest [[roller rink]] in the United States, the Stargaze Skateway. It burned to the ground as the result of [[arson]] on August 18, 1998.<ref>http://www.mudnrox.com/brr/firearticle1.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714131235/http://www.mudnrox.com/brr/firearticle1.html |date=July 14, 2011 }} {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref><ref>http://www.mudnrox.com/brr/firearticle2.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714131228/http://www.mudnrox.com/brr/firearticle2.html |date=July 14, 2011 }} {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>

Braddock Heights is said to be the roost of the [[Snallygaster]], a chimeric bird-like creature claimed to be responsible for the disappearance of livestock, and the occasional Middletown Valley resident, since the mid-18th century.

===Hagerstown & Frederick Railway===
The [[Hagerstown & Frederick Railway]], a suburban and [[interurban]] [[Tram|trolley]] system, was developed by George William Smith and initially called the Frederick and  Middletown Railway. Service between Frederick and Braddock Heights commenced on August 22, 1896. The [[Jefferson, Maryland|Jefferson]] branch was added in 1906, running down the east side of Jefferson Boulevard. The right of way is still visible as a strip between the set-back sidewalk and the street.

Service to Jefferson lasted until 1940, although a short section was kept open to serve the Vindobona Hotel. Service to Braddock Heights and Middletown from Frederick was finally discontinued in 1946.