History of Edgewood

The history of the settlement of Edgewood in the state of Maryland is inextricably linked to the development of transport infrastructure and strategic decisions by the government of the USA. Initially, this territory was a quiet locale which, over time, transformed into an important settlement due to its advantageous location.

Foundation and First Mentions

Unlike cities founded by a single decree, Edgewood formed gradually. Initially, the lands in this area, known as "Gunpowder Neck", were used for agriculture. The name "Edgewood" became attached to the locality in the second half of the 19th century thanks to the appearance of a railway station of the same name on the line connecting Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of scattered farms into a cohesive community was driven by several important factors:

• Geography: Its location at the mouth of the Gunpowder River and proximity to the Chesapeake Bay provided access to water resources and transport routes.
• Transport Accessibility: The railway became the main artery of life, allowing local farmers to send goods to the markets of major cities and attracting new residents.
• Government Influence: A turning point in history was the decision of the federal government in 1917 to purchase land to create a military facility (Edgewood Arsenal). This event radically changed the status of the settlement, turning it from an agrarian one into a strategically significant one.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Until the beginning of the 20th century, the region's economy relied on traditional farming and small private households. Cultural life was centred around local parishes and the railway station. With the arrival of government institutions early in the last century, the appearance of Edgewood changed: housing for workers and employees began to be built here, which laid the foundation for the modern residential and commercial development of the district.

Major Development Milestones

The history of the area where Edgewood is located today is rich in events related to industrialisation and public service. Below is a chronology of key moments that formed the modern appearance of this settlement in the USA.

• Mid-19th Century — Construction of the Philadelphia — Wilmington — Baltimore railway line, opening the region to transport communication.
• 1910 — The railway station officially receives the name "Edgewood", which fixes this toponym for the surrounding territory.
• 1917 — The federal government acquires land on the Gunpowder Neck peninsula to create a military facility, which radically changes the lifestyle of the farming community.
• 1918 — Foundation of the Edgewood Arsenal and large-scale construction of housing for thousands of workers and employees.
• 1922 — Opening of the local post office, which became an important step in the establishment of civil infrastructure.
• 1940–1945 — A period of intensive population growth and expansion of development due to increased activity at government facilities during the Second World War.
• 1950s — The beginning of active suburbanisation and the construction of private residential quarters for families of specialists.
• 1971 — Edgewood Arsenal administratively merges with the Aberdeen Proving Ground, while remaining a city-forming factor.
• 1974 — Opening of Edgewood High School, which became the centre of educational and social life in the district.
• 2004 — Commissioning of the new MARC railway station building, improving transport links with Baltimore and Washington.
• 2010s — Implementation of municipal programmes for the renovation of housing stock and the improvement of public areas.

Key Stages of Transformation

The development of Edgewood represents a journey from an agricultural community to an important hub in the defence and transport system of the region. The main milestones in the city's history defined its modern economic and urban planning appearance.

• Arrival of Railway Communication (Mid-19th Century).
  The construction of a station on the line between Baltimore and Philadelphia was the first step towards integrating the settlement into the economy of the East Coast. This event turned isolated farms into a territory accessible for trade.
• Foundation of Edgewood Arsenal (1917).
  A fundamental event that completely changed the specialisation of the district. The transfer of lands to federal ownership for the defence needs of the USA created thousands of jobs and stimulated the construction of the first service infrastructure, turning the agrarian district into a strategic industrial centre.
• Post-War Suburbanisation (1950–1960s).
  A period of active construction of private housing for families of military personnel and civilian specialists. It was during this time that the main residential development of the city was formed, cementing its status as a classic American suburb.
• Administrative Consolidation (1971).
  The inclusion of the local arsenal into the Aberdeen Proving Ground strengthened the economic stability of the district. This decision ensured long-term employment for the population and an influx of highly qualified personnel to the region.
• Modernisation of the Transport Hub (2004).
  The reconstruction of the railway station and the launch of updated MARC lines strengthened the city's connection with major metropolises. This increased the attractiveness of the area for those who work in Baltimore or Washington but prefer to live in a quieter locality.

The architectural appearance of Edgewood differs strikingly from classic cities with a historic centre. It is difficult to find examples of Gothic or Baroque here; the development of this settlement in the USA is a clear example of American functionalism and 20th-century suburbanisation, where aesthetics are subordinate to practical needs and the comfort of suburban residents.

Urban Development

The layout of the territory was historically formed under the influence of two powerful factors: the railway main line and the closed zone of the military facility. The city did not develop radially, but in fragments — as separate residential clusters and commercial zones strung onto a transport framework.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Several temporal layers are clearly visible in the appearance of Edgewood, each corresponding to a specific stage of economic growth:

• Utilitarian Style and Military Architecture (from 1917). Buildings related to the early infrastructure of the Edgewood Arsenal are executed in a strict functional style. These are massive brick and concrete structures, devoid of decor, designed for industrial and administrative purposes. They formed the industrial vector of the district's development.
• Colonial Revival. Before mass development and in the early period of suburbanisation, houses referencing the traditions of the first settlers were popular. They are characterised by symmetrical facades, gable roofs, and the use of red brick, which is traditional for the state of Maryland.
• Mid-Century Modern and "Ranch" Style (1950–1970s). The city's main housing stock was formed during the post-war baby boom era. The streets of Edgewood are built up with houses typical of the American Dream in the Ranch style (single-storey elongated buildings with a low roof pitch) and Split-level style (houses with staggered floor levels). These structures reflect the era of motorisation and the desire for privacy.

Modern Appearance

In recent decades, the architectural environment has been complemented by modern commercial buildings and townhouses. A landmark element of the infrastructure has become the renovated railway station zone, representing an example of modern transport architecture integrated into a suburban environment.

Although Edgewood is a relatively small settlement, it has become a starting point or an important stage in the lives of many talented people who have achieved recognition in the USA and beyond. The biographies of these individuals cover the spheres of music, cinema, literature, and professional sports.

Famous Residents and Natives

• Frank Zappa — Musician, composer, and director.
  One of the most influential musicians of the 20th century spent part of his childhood in Edgewood. His family lived in service housing at the arsenal where Frank's father worked. Memories of this period, including living near chemical laboratories, were later reflected in his autobiography and eccentric creative work.
• Johnathon Schaech — Actor, screenwriter, and producer.
  A native of the city who gained wide fame in Hollywood in the 1990s. He is most famous for the role of the lead singer of the band in the Tom Hanks musical comedy "That Thing You Do!". He actively maintains ties with his hometown.
• Richard Chizmar — Writer and publisher.
  A well-known author in the horror genre, founder of Cemetery Dance Publications, and co-author with Stephen King. Edgewood occupies a central place in his work: the city is described in detail in his bestseller "Chasing the Boogeyman", where real geography intertwines with artistic fiction.
• Dudley Bradley — Professional basketball player.
  A graduate of Edgewood High School who became an NBA star in the 1980s. For his outstanding defensive skills and ability to steal the ball, he received the honorary nickname "The Secretary of Defense".
• Dale Midkiff — Film and television actor.
  Another graduate of the local school who achieved success in the film industry. Worldwide fame came to him with the main role of Louis Creed in the film adaptation of Stephen King's novel "Pet Sematary" (1989), which became a cult picture in the horror genre.
• C.J. Sapong — Professional football player.
  A successful forward and graduate of Edgewood High School. He has had an excellent career in the country's main football league (MLS), where he was named "Rookie of the Year" in 2011, and has also played for the USA national team.