HAGERSTOWN, MD – The John Clinton Frye Western Maryland Room in the Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Library in downtown Hagerstown is excited to announce the completion of a comprehensive list of Washington County Commissioners over the past 195 years. This project was completed by library staff members dedicated to fully answering a research question posed by a patron looking for such a resource. 

The County Commissioner system of government began in Washington County in 1830. Prior to that time, the county was managed solely by tax commissioners which are not included on the compiled list.

Primary sources were used for all but 10 years in determining the names and dates of service on this extensive list. Of notable value in the list’s creation were the handwritten ledgers of Commissioner Meeting Minutes from 1845 to 1936.  

Other sources used to glean the Commissioners were Maryland Manuals, available online through the Maryland State Archives, and election records, thanks to assistance from Barry Jackson, Election Director of the Washington County Board of Elections.

For 10 years during the 195 years on the list, no primary sources could be found. Information was included for those periods from John Thomas Scharf’s History of Western Maryland: Being a History of Frederick, Montgomery, Carroll, Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties, published in 1882. However, the list notes that it is unclear from where Scharf derived his information.

In addition to a listing by year, this compilation also includes an alphabetical listing of all the commissioners and terms served. Interested individuals can email westmdroom@washcolibrary.org or stop by the Western Maryland Room at the Fletcher Library. The list can be accessed on the Washington County Free Library’s website under “Local History.”

For more information about collections, resources, and services at the Western Maryland Room and all Washington County Free Library locations, please visit washcolibrary.org, call 301-739-3250, or visit your branch library.  

Contact Information:

John C. Frye Western Maryland Room

Washington County Free Library

100 South Potomac Street

Hagerstown, MD 21740

301-739-3250