Frederick County, Maryland
Frederick County is located in western Maryland, about an hour from both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The Appalachian Mountains provide a striking backdrop, shaping much of the county’s scenic landscape.
Frederick, the county seat, is known for its historic downtown, featuring brick-lined streets, local shops, and distinctive architecture. Civil War history is also a major attraction, with battlefields, museums, and historic sites drawing visitors interested in the region’s past.
Frederick County also offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, including hiking trails in Catoctin Mountain Park. The county is also notable as the final resting place of Francis Scott Key, the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Frederick County |
| County Seat | Frederick |
| Etymology | Named after Frederick Calvert, 6th Baron Baltimore |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Frederick, Brunswick, Thurmont, Middletown, Walkersville, Emmitsburg, New Market, Urbana |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 70, Interstate 270, U.S. Route 15, U.S. Route 40, Maryland Route 26, Maryland Route 85, Maryland Route 180 |
| FIPS Code | 24-021 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 660.5 square miles (land: 660.0 sq mi, water: 0.5 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Adams County, Pennsylvania (North), Carroll County (East), Franklin County, Pennsylvania (Northwest), Montgomery County (South), Washington County (West), Loudoun County, Virginia (Southwest) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (EST) |
| State | Maryland |
| Coordinates | 39.43°N, 77.42°W |
| Major Landmarks | Catoctin Mountain Park, Monocacy National Battlefield, National Shrine of St. Therese, Frederick Historic District |
| Population | 300,000 |
TRANSPORTATION MAP
Frederick County Road Map
I-70 runs east-west across Frederick County as a major transportation corridor, while I-270 branches south toward Washington, D.C. The mountainous terrain creates dramatic curves along routes such as US-15, with several elevated sections offering broad views of the surrounding landscape. Use our dynamic zoom feature below to explore important roads and geographic details more closely.
SATELLITE IMAGERY
Frederick County Satellite Map
Our Frederick County satellite map shows extensive agricultural fields across the northeast, gradually giving way to dense forests covering the surrounding mountains. Frederick city spreads outward from its center in a radial pattern, while the surrounding ridges help shape and limit its development.
OUTLINE MAP
Frederick County Blank Map
Frederick County has a generally oval-shaped outline, with the Potomac River winding along its southern edge and separating Maryland from Virginia. Pennsylvania forms the county’s entire northern boundary.
Maryland County Maps
Maryland County Map
With 23 counties and Baltimore City, Maryland offers a diverse mix of cities, small towns, rural communities, and scenic outdoor landscapes. From the Chesapeake Bay and coastal areas to historic towns and mountain regions, every part of the state has its own character. Explore our detailed Maryland county maps to learn more about the state’s counties, cities, roads, boundaries, and geographic features.