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The history of Rockville
From Piscataway homelands to a county seat, an incorporated city and a civic center, these are selected chapters in Rockville’s history.
People who shaped Rockville
These milestones follow the city’s own history, including its account of Glenview and the labor of enslaved Black people. They introduce the story rather than replace Indigenous histories or archival research. Read the local historical account.
Watch the city’s history
FROM THE ARCHIVES
African-American History in Rockville
A City of Rockville Rockville11 report on African-American history in Rockville, with local interviews and historical context. The written timeline has separate linked sources.
Watch on YouTube ↗Famous people born in Rockville
See all 48 famous people
- Before the municipal town
Piscataway homelands
The city’s Glenview history recognizes the Piscataway people’s long-standing relationship with this land. Municipal dates are only one part of a much longer Indigenous history.
City of Rockville ↗ - 1776
Montgomery Court House
Maryland split Frederick County, and this area joined the new Montgomery County. Its central location made it the county seat, known as Montgomery Court House.
City of Rockville ↗ - 1780s
Williamsburgh
The town was also called Williamsburgh, after the family that laid out its center. It was little more than homes, a tavern, a courthouse and a jail.
City of Rockville ↗ - 1801
The name Rockville
The Maryland General Assembly officially named the town Rockville because it sat near Rock Creek. The town had about 200 residents in 1800.
City of Rockville ↗ - 1860
Incorporation
Rockville was incorporated and was governed by three commissioners.
City of Rockville ↗ - 1864
Maryland emancipation
Maryland’s Constitution of 1864 ended slavery in the state. The city’s Glenview history documents the enslaved Black people whose labor built and sustained the farm, and points to continuing research into their lives.
City of Rockville ↗ - 1873
The B&O depot
A Rockville depot opened on the Metropolitan Branch of the B&O Railroad, bringing the town closer to Washington, D.C.
City of Rockville ↗ - 1888
First mayor and council
About 400 residents elected Rockville's first mayor and council.
City of Rockville ↗ - 1957
Glenview becomes a civic center
The city bought the Glenview estate and 28 acres for a civic center. The referendum behind the purchase passed by only 40 votes.
City of Rockville ↗
See the history for yourself.
Use the city’s linked historic walking tours and current public-access information before visiting Glenview and Rockville’s historic sites.
For deeper research, the Rockville library resources is a starting point for archival material and research help. Historic photographs have their own permissions; we link to the collection instead of treating every old image as free to reuse.
Selected municipal milestones from linked City of Rockville sources, reviewed October 18, 2026. The city-produced history video is a separate interpretation.