Fort Detrick is located with the city limits of the City of Frederick. Frederick is the hub of arts, culture, commerce and government within Frederick County. Located less than an hour from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland, Frederick is the second largest city in Maryland with 65,000 residents. Frederick offers a balanced and thriving economy, a highly educated workforce, and a quality of life that is nothing short of enviable.
Founded in 1745 by German settlers, Frederick is a city rich in heritage, opportunity, and innovation. Located between the Civil War battlegrounds of Monocacy, Antietam and Gettysburg, Frederick was ransomed from burning during the war and became a hospital town for the wounded soldiers. By the turn of the century Frederick industry was booming, centered on the canning, tanning and knitting industries and delivering products to market via the railroad to Baltimore.
Today, Frederick’s award-winning 40-block historic district, parks, neighborhoods and diverse industry base offer residents and visitors a unique blending of history and technology. Ranked 18th Small Arts City in the U.S. by American Style Magazine, Frederick is a celebration of the arts. Impressive architecture and public art works abound in the historic district where you’re never more than a few blocks from one of four impressive performance and fine art centers or a host of private galleries. On 22 weekends each year, downtown Frederick and neighboring 54-acre Baker Park play host to special events which include weekly summer concerts, monthly gallery walks, children’s theatrical performances, and other events which celebrate the season.