The Washington County Courthouse burned in December 5, 1871. Many of the actual early books containing the licenses were burned, but the logs were saved. These marriages reflect returning Civil War veterans getting married, especially during 1865 and 1866. The number indicates the page number in the marriage books in the Washington County Courthouse.

Washington County, Maryland is located at the most narrow portion of the state in the Western Panhandle. It is bordered by counties in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia as well as the counties of Frederick and Allegany in Maryland. Thus, the courthouse records will, many times, contain references to other areas that are located adjacent to the county seat of Hagerstown. These records include marriage licenses which become public following the marriage.

C. William Ridenour, assisted by his wife, Helen, has provided many family records to the Washington County Free Library on a volunteer basis. The year of the marriage and the name of the bride and groom are provided. The original recorded copy of the license can be found at the Clerk of the Court’s office in the Washington County Courthouse.

Much appreciation is extended to the Ridenours, to Marsha Fuller for editing, and to the Friends of the Western Maryland Room for funding the editing, printing, and binding. Patrons doing family research will find these records a welcome addition to the growing files in the Western Maryland Room.

John C. Frye
Director
Western Maryland Room
Washington County Free Library