Gaithersburg began as an agricultural community. With the coming of the railroad in the late 1800's, markets in Washington, D. C. and Baltimore were opened to area farmers. Wheat, vegetables, fruits, meats, dairy products, and cider could be easily moved to markets in larger cities. The Gaithersburg area flourished and soon became the center of farming activity in Montgomery County. In addition to commercial farming, domestic farming was also common. A family often raised its own chickens, cows, and pigs, and cultivated its own produce. Southern States Co-op opened in the 1930's to serve farmers and the agricultural community at large, selling feed, seed, fertilizer, and farm supplies. The company, based in Richmond, Virginia, offered a much wider variety of products than locally owned businesses. Goods shipped from Richmond to Washington, D. C. were easily transported via railroad to the Gaithersburg store loction, which was strategically located near the train station in Olde Towne.

(Photo caption): Southern States, circa 1939

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Show me all markers in:  Gaithersburg, MD  |  Montgomery County  |  20877  |  Maryland  |  United States of America

The Early Years
Building The Future
The Schwartz House / Gaithersburg City Hall / Schwartz Peony Garden
The Business of Agriculture:
The Gaithersburg School
Gaithersburg Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department
The Summit Hotel
Serving the Community's Health Care Needs
A Center of Culture and Commerce
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station

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