Editing Potomac, Maryland (section)

==History==
The land that is now Potomac was first settled by Edward Offutt in 1714 after he was granted a {{convert|600|acre|km2|adj=on}} land grant of a region known as Clewerwell by [[Cecilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore|Lord Baltimore]]. His grant of land was by the Tehogee Indian Trail, an Indian trade route built by the Canaze [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] nation in 1716{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}. Throughout the 18th century, what became known as "Offutts Crossroads" was a small, rural community which served planters and travelers. In the 19th century, a few small dwellings had been built along with a tavern established in 1820.<ref>Montgomery County equity records, Judgment 1823-1826/67</ref> By the time of the [[American Civil War|Civil War]], the community contained two general stores, a blacksmith shop, and a post office which served a community of 100.

Offutts Crossroads was renamed "Potomac" in 1881 by [[John McDonald (Maryland politician)|John McDonald]]. An [[Irish people|Irishman]] and veteran of the Civil War, McDonald settled in Potomac around that time. He petitioned for the name change since postal officials were asking for brief names and there were already several other communities in the area with the name "crossroads".<ref>Montgomery County Post Office records</ref>

By the turn of the 20th century, Potomac was growing. Thomas Perry, an operator of a nearby general store, built a house on the corner of [[Maryland Route 189|Falls]] and [[Maryland Route 190|River]] Roads in 1902. More residential structures were built on the northern section of Falls Road throughout the 1920s and 1930s. During the 1950s, Potomac was one of many communities in [[Montgomery County, Maryland|Montgomery County]] to experience [[suburbanization]] because of its proximity to [[Washington, D.C.]] Potomac quickly transformed from a rural farming community to a suburban community from the mid- to late 20th century.

Numerous original buildings within Potomac Village have been demolished for the construction of [[strip malls]] and modern office buildings. However, in the surrounding area, many of the old farmhouses remain, though some are confined within suburban developments. The Perry Store has been restored and still stands as part of a bank, although the building was moved 21 feet in 1986 to allow for a project to widen the intersection of Falls and River Roads.
<!--===Historic places===
* '''Potomac''' - Glen Store and Post Office - 11530 S. Glen Road
* '''Potomac''' - Swain's Lock House - (21) 10700 Swains Lock Rd, Potomac, MD-->