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Georgetown was founded as a tobacco port on the Potomac River. Its location at the fall line made it an ideal spot for trade, demonstrating how geography influenced settlement patterns. The town quickly became a bustling commercial center, attracting merchants and planters from the surrounding areas.

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1776: St. Mary's City - Former Colonial Capital

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1776: St. Mary's City - Former Colonial Capital

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Although no longer the capital by this time, St. Mary's City remained an important historical site. Its location on the St. Mary's River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, showcases how early settlers chose sites with access to water for transportation and trade. The city's decline also illustrates how changing political landscapes can affect population centers.

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1783: Annapolis - Treaty of Paris Ratification

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1783: Annapolis - Treaty of Paris Ratification

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The Treaty of Paris, ending the American Revolutionary War, was ratified in Annapolis. As the state capital, Annapolis's central location on the Chesapeake Bay made it an important political and economic hub. This event highlights how geographical location influenced political importance.

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1785: Oxford - Decline of a Tobacco Port

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1785: Oxford - Decline of a Tobacco Port

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Once a major tobacco port, Oxford began to decline as Baltimore grew in importance. This shift demonstrates how changes in trade routes and economic focuses can impact population distribution. Oxford's location on the Eastern Shore became less advantageous as trade patterns shifted.

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1790: Baltimore - Rapid Growth and Expansion

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1790: Baltimore - Rapid Growth and Expansion

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By 1790, Baltimore had become the fastest-growing city in the new nation. Its deep harbor and proximity to agricultural areas made it an ideal location for trade and industry. This rapid growth illustrates how favorable geography can lead to population booms and economic prosperity.

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Cumberland's location in the Appalachian Mountains made it a crucial starting point for westward expansion. As the eastern terminus of the National Road (construction began in 1811), Cumberland's geography positioned it as a gateway for migration westward, influencing population movements.

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Elkton, located at the head of the Chesapeake Bay, became an important port town. Its position at the intersection of land and water routes made it a significant point for trade and transportation, showcasing how geography shapes economic activities and settlement patterns.

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1800: Frederick - Crossroads of Farm and City

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1800: Frederick - Crossroads of Farm and City

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By 1800, Frederick had grown into a significant town, benefiting from its location at the intersection of major transportation routes. Situated between the coastal plain and the Appalachian Mountains, Frederick became a hub for agricultural trade and a gateway to western territories, demonstrating how geographical position influences urban development.