Gaithersburg
From GRA
Contents |
History
Gaithersburg is named after Benjamin Gaither who built a house in 1802 on the property where the famous Forest Oak tree once grew. The Forest Oak, a very large oak tree, grew at the site for nearly 300 years before it was felled during a storm in the summer of 1997.
Location and Climate
The City of Gaithersburg occupies 10 square miles in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland. The southeastern border of the City lies just 13 miles from the northwestern border of Washington, D.C., and 18.5 miles northwest of the U.S. Capitol Building. Average temperatures in winter are 35°, spring 57°, summer 80° and fall 60°. An average of 40 inches of rain a year is spread evenly through the seasons.
Community
Gaithersburg is home to a diverse and active community of over 50,000 residents. Major economic activities are biotechnology, telecommunications, and software development. Many of these activities are related to Federal Government contracts. Because of Gaithersburg's proximity to the Nation's Capital and these major industries, the City hosts many visitors, both foreign and domestic. Throughout the year, the City sponsors many cultural events. During the spring and summer months, the City Hall Pavilion is busy with musical and theater groups, movies, and other special events. Art exhibits are located in various City facilities year round. The City also hosts Olde Towne Gaithersburg Day where residents gather on the streets of the City's Olde Towne district to enjoy good food, arts and crafts, and a variety of family entertainment while celebrating the City's heritage. Winter Lights is an extraordinary light display held in partnership with Seneca Creek State Park. To celebrate the holidays, people from all over come to see hundreds of holiday images created by colorful lights along a 3.5 mile drive.
Day trips
- During the winter you can go by car in less than 1.5 hour to a sky resort: http://www.skiliberty.com
