| |
| | Welcome Message - Cumberland, Maryland |
 | | The seed that grew into the City of Cumberland was planted in October, 1749, when Christopher Gist, an agent for the Ohio Company, arrived at the junction of Wills Creek and the North Branch of the Potomac River to erect a stockade and trading post. |
 | | Cumberland's early growth depended partially on its natural landmark, The Narrows, a dramatic cut through Wills and Haystack mountains, known as the "Gateway to the West." Historically, the pass has facilitated commerce, travel, and migration between Cumberland and a vast region to the west. |
 | | By 1880, Cumberland had become a thriving community and became known as the "Queen City", the second largest city in the State of Maryland. |
| www.ci.cumberland.md.us /citygovt/message/message.html (360 words) |
|