Capital Region

From the original pioneers to space pioneers, this region reflects more than 300 years of the state's and nation's life. Farmland as well as teeming cities make up its environs. In 1791, Maryland contributed land from Prince George's and Montgomery counties to allow creation of the nation's capital. In the past a significant farming area, the Capital Region is noted today for research centers in electronics, telecommunications and medicine, as well as high-tech industries.

Farming and Maryland agriculture as well as the history of space travel can be explored and learned about in Prince George's County. The Accokeek and the National Colonial Farm, as well as the visitor facility at Goddard Space Flight Center http://www.ohwy.com/md/n/nasagovc.htm, are good places to start.

In 1776, Montgomery County was settled by English, Irish and Scottish pioneers. It was named after Revolutionary War hero General Richard Montgomery. Since 1777, Rockville has been the county seat and today is Maryland's fourth largest city. Rockville visitor destinations include the Stonestreet Medical Museum and Beall Dawson House, which depict lifeways here in the 1800s and 1900s.

Located in the Piedmont Plateau and Appalachian Mountain areas, Frederick County boasts the most farms of any Maryland county. New Market has been dubbed the antiques capital of Maryland and Buckeystown's Lilypons Water Gardens are the largest of their type in the country. Numerous covered bridges and vineyards grace the countryside.