Park Overview

History
Early Extractive and Manufacturing Industries
In the 19th century the Little Bennett area was the setting for an agrarian local economy similar to that found in other parts of Montgomery County. Tobacco and wheat were farmed in the flatter regions of today's Park and water-powered mills along Little Bennett creek ground the wheat and other raw materials into more useable materials or products. One former mill, the Hyattstown Mill, has been preserved within the Park and remains as an historical reminder of this earlier period.

Other resource-based industries, including sumac harvesting and logging, were also practiced in the Little Bennett region. Moreover, the abundant presence of trees in combination with rocky creeks tumbling downward toward sea level also gave rise to manufacturing activities in the area that were not often widely found in other parts of the County. The presence of such 'value added' activities as raw materials milling, barrel stave making, and whiskey distilling in the area were further manifestations of the relatively unique physical nature of this part of Montgomery County.

Transportation Services
Frederick Road (MD 355), the major route northwest from Washington, D.C. from 1740-1950, runs along the western edge of the Park and presents an entirely different aspect of the County's history. During much of this time period, businesses along the western edge of the Park provided services to those traveling from the nation's capital westward to former frontier areas.

Historic Sites
There are 11 historic sites in the park including the Montgomery Chapel Cemetery, Zeigler Log House, Hyattstown Mill and Kingsley School House.

The Hyattstown Mill, shown here, is one of 11 historic sites in Little Bennett Regional Park.

Please see the History section of our website for further information about any of these subjects.