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In the George’s Creek
Valley of Allegany County, George’s Creek meanders through
several small towns on its way to the Potomac River. One such
town is Barton— truly a small town of about six hundred
inhabitants. It is named after Barton, England, the birthplace
of Reverend William Shaw, who became the first permanent settler
in George’s Creek Valley in the late 1700s. He and his son,
Major William Shaw, acquired extensive landholdings in the
Valley, including the property that Major Shaw laid out in
sixty-six lots as the town of Barton.
The discovery of coal in the area attracted more settlers.
They came from Scotland, Ireland, and Germany, eager to work in
the mines. In 1853, the first shipment of coal was made on the
newly built Chesapeake and Potomac Railroad. Eventually, all the
deep coal mines had been abandoned and replaced by strip mines,
several of which still can be seen from the town. Today, most
families in Barton are supported by other types of employment.
Barton has four churches and many volunteer groups. There is
a lighted ball field, a playground, and two parks for use by
community groups. A new elementary school was built in 1975 for
grades K-5; grades 6-12 were consolidated in nearby towns.
Barton has survived floods and fires and still maintains its
peaceful and congenial atmosphere. Each year the town celebrates
itself with a Party in the Park. That get-together showcases
crafts, food, entertainment, and a parade through the center of
town. It serves as an occasion for the people to renew their
pride in the beauty of their town and in maintaining their
spirit of kindness to all.
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