Silver Spring

Silver Spring
Census-designated place
Silver Spring, Maryland
Clockwise from top: AFI Silver, Veteran's Plaza and the civic building, Downtown Silver Spring from the Metro station, Acorn Park, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station Clockwise from top: AFI Silver, Veteran's Plaza and the civic building, Downtown Silver Spring from the Metro station, Acorn Park, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station
Flag Seal
Nickname(s):  The Silver Spring
Motto(s):  "Discover the Silver Lining"
Coordinates: 39°0′15″N 77°1′8″W Fatal error: The format of the coordinate could not be determined. Parsing failed.
Country	United States
State	Maryland
County	Montgomery
Founded	1840
Incorporated (town)	1868
Incorporated (city)	1938
Government
• Type	Council-manager
• Mayor	Bridget Donnell Newton
• City Council	Silver Spring City Council
Area
• Total	7.92 sq mi (20.5 km2)
• Land	7.92 sq mi (20.5 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.0 km2)
Elevation	387 ft (118 m)
Population  (2019)
• Total	71,452
• Density	9,019.19/sq mi (3,482.33/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes	20901–20907, 20910–20916
Area code(s)	301, 240
Website	www.silverspringdowntown.com

Silver Spring is a census-designated place located in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. It is situated just north of Washington, D.C. and is considered part of the Washington metropolitan area. With a population of 71,452 as of 2019, Silver Spring is one of the most populous communities in Maryland.

History

Silver Spring was founded in 1840 and was originally known as "Silver Spring Township." The name "Silver Spring" comes from a mica-flecked spring discovered by Francis Preston Blair, a journalist and politician. The spring was believed to have healing properties, and the area quickly became a popular destination for visitors seeking its therapeutic benefits.

In 1868, Silver Spring was incorporated as a town, and in 1938, it became an incorporated city. Over the years, Silver Spring has experienced significant growth and development, transforming from a small rural community into a thriving urban center.

Geography

Silver Spring is located at 39°0′15″N 77°1′8″W

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. It covers a total area of 7.92 square miles, all of which is land. The community is bordered by several other towns and cities, including Bethesda to the southwest, Wheaton to the north, and Takoma Park to the east.

Demographics

As of 2019, Silver Spring had a population of 71,452 people. The racial makeup of the community is diverse, with a significant percentage of residents identifying as African American, Hispanic, and Asian. The median household income in Silver Spring is above the national average, reflecting the area's economic prosperity.

Economy

Silver Spring is home to a vibrant and diverse economy. The downtown area, known as Silver Spring Central Business District, is a major commercial and entertainment hub. It features a wide range of shops, restaurants, theaters, and office buildings. Several large corporations have their headquarters or regional offices in Silver Spring, contributing to the area's economic growth.

Education

Silver Spring is served by the Montgomery County Public Schools system, which operates numerous public schools in the area. The community is also home to several private schools, offering a variety of educational options for residents.

Culture and Recreation

Silver Spring offers a rich cultural and recreational scene. The community is known for its diverse population, which contributes to a vibrant arts and music scene. The AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center is a popular destination for film enthusiasts, showcasing a wide range of independent and international films.

There are also numerous parks and recreational facilities in Silver Spring, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Acorn Park, located in downtown Silver Spring, is a popular gathering spot and features a beautiful fountain and green space.

Transportation

Silver Spring is well-connected to the surrounding areas through various transportation options. The community is served by the Washington Metro's Red Line, with several stations located within its boundaries. Additionally, several major highways, including Interstate 495 and Interstate 95, pass through or near Silver Spring, providing convenient access to other parts of Maryland and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Notable People

Silver Spring has been home to many notable individuals throughout its history. Some of the notable people associated with Silver Spring include:

• Sylvester Stallone - Actor and filmmaker
• Goldie Hawn - Actress and producer
• Dave Chappelle - Comedian and actor
• Rachel Carson - Environmentalist and author

External links

• Official website of Silver Spring
• Montgomery County Government website