This quiet city located near the head of the Chesapeake Bay got its name, it seems, upon the whim of a Mr. Winston from Aberdeen, Scotland, who came to occupy a house just west of Hall’s Cross Roads in 1835. The house was next to the railroad right-of-way, and when the railroad inaugurated a stopping point there, Mr. Wilson became the first station-master. He took it upon himself to name the stop “Aberdeen.” The name stuck. Aberdeen soon became a railroad forwarding point for local agricultural products destined for the markets of Baltimore and Philadelphia. The availability of that economical and efficient transportation inspired the development of Harford County’s first canning industry in 1867. Today, two national railroads carry passengers and commodities along the eastern corridor passing through Aberdeen on the way.

Aberdeen is fortunate to have as its neighbor the world’s most diversified military research and development center—Aberdeen Proving Ground. The city and the Proving Ground have close social, educational, and economic interdependence. The city’s diverse and multicultural population is a product of that strong military influence that has existed for close to 80 years.

Demonstrating a strong relationship between industry and community, Aberdeen has attracted major manufacturing and distribution companies to locate in the city: Frito-Lay, Saks Fifth Avenue, Clorox, Pier 1, and others. With the opening of the Higher Education Applied Technology Center, Aberdeen is poised to become one of the hottest technology centers in the northeast.

The quaintness of the downtown area lends a village atmosphere to Aberdeen, although city conveniences abound. A volunteer fire and ambulance department and the Aberdeen police department offer excellent protection. There is a modern public library, Senior Citizens’ Center, Boys & Girls Club, and two museums. Its neighborhoods have spacious yards and tree-lined streets with homes that range from modern townhouses to restored Victorian “mansions.” Aberdeen is rich in history and historic landmarks. In 1982, a survey of historic homes, churches, and other sites was undertaken; so far, forty-eight sites have been identified by the Maryland Historical Trust. The All-American City award was presented to Aberdeen in 1997 in recognition of the city’s commitment to partnership and progress, creativity and collaboration, perseverance and pride.