Quality of Life
Communities
Funkstown: Population 960
The
natural boundary of Funkstown, shaped like a horseshoe, is Antietam
Creek. In 1767 Jacob Funk founded the village which was first named
Jerusalem.
Funkstown is located on the Old National Pike which was constructed during George Washington's administration. It was a favorite stop for wagons because the town had good wagon yards and taverns. Electric Park, a recreational area located near Antietam Creek, included a carousel, dancing pavilion, boat rides and other amusements; the park was reached by a swinging bridge across Antietam Creek.
Two sturdy bridges were constructed across Antietam Creek in the 1800s; the bridges have since been refurbished. Funkstown was known for its mills--flour, grist, and woolen--iron furnace, brickyard and powder factory. A huge waterwheel on Antietam Creek furnished the power.