t the turn of the century there were fewer than 80 million people living in the United States. Eight thousand cars traveled less than 10 miles of paved roads, and first-class stamps cost a penny apiece. The average worker earned $12.98 per week, and could expect to live less than 47 years; and Mrs. Emma Smith decided that Frederick City needed a hospital. A determined civic leader, Mrs. Smith was able to rally the community to the cause, and in July of 1901 the corner stone for Frederick City Hospital was laid. Just 10 months later, on May 1, 1902, the hospital opened its doors. They have remained open every moment of every day since.What began as a 2-ward hospital with an "accident room" for emergencies has grown into a state-of-the-art healthcare facility with one of the busiest Emergency Departments in the state of Maryland. Frederick County is the second fastest growing county in Maryland with an estimated population of more than 233,000.