| Cresaptown, Maryland | |
| Settlement Type: | Census-designated place |
| Pushpin Map: | Maryland |
| Pushpin Label: | Cresaptown |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location within the State of Maryland |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Type1: | State |
| Subdivision Type2: | County |
| Subdivision Name2: | Allegany |
| Unit Pref: | Imperial |
| Area Footnotes: | [1] |
| Area Total Km2: | 7.16 |
| Area Land Km2: | 6.88 |
| Area Water Km2: | 0.28 |
| Population As Of: | 2020 |
| Population Total: | 5442 |
| Population Density Km2: | 790.58 |
| Timezone: | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc Offset: | -5 |
| Timezone Dst: | EDT |
| Utc Offset Dst: | -4 |
| Elevation Ft: | 781 |
| Coordinates: | 39.5944°N -78.8356°W |
| Postal Code Type: | ZIP code |
| Postal Code: | 21502 |
| Area Code: | 301, 240 |
| Blank Name: | FIPS code |
| Blank Info: | 24-20525 |
| Blank1 Name: | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 Info: | 2633177 |
| Area Total Sq Mi: | 2.77 |
| Area Land Sq Mi: | 2.66 |
| Area Water Sq Mi: | 0.11 |
| Population Density Sq Mi: | 2047.40 |
Cresaptown is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located in Allegany County, Maryland, United States. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 6,247.[2] Prior to 2010 it was part of the Cresaptown-Bel Air CDP. Cresaptown's post office was established December 22, 1800. Cresaptown is located 6miles southwest of Cumberland.
Prior to 1728, Cresaptown was the site of a Shawnee village along the Potomac River. The inhabitants of this region were a portion of the Shawanese tribe, a sub-division of the Algonquian group, one of the most warlike combinations of that period. The warriors engaged in hunting and fishing for food and furs, while their families were left at home to tend the maize and grass that grew in the rich soil of the Potomac valley. The maize was ground into corn meal and made into Shawnee cake, a popular diet of the Shawnees living in the valley.[3]
The Shawanees in the valley lived in shelters composed of two forked posts that were driven into the ground, and on these was laid a ridge pole. Small saplings, cut to a length of about, were laid against the pole, one end resting on the ground, forming a shelter similar to a V-shaped tent. This was covered with bark and skins and made tight enough to protect against rain or snow. The floors were spread with furs, which made sure for seats or beds.[3] Emanuel Custer, father of George Armstrong Custer, was born in Cresaptown 1806, and moved to Ohio in 1845, finally settling in Michigan.
Cresaptown was named for the family of Daniel Cresap, early settlers.[4]
The Maryland Department of Corrections operates two prisons in the CDP: North Branch Correctional Institution and Western Correctional Institution. Additionally, the Allegany County Detention Center is in the CDP.[5] North Branch is a supermax prison.
The 372nd Military Police Company, known for participating in Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse, is based here.
Allegany County Public Schools is the school district for the entire county, and covers the CDP.[6]