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The first settlers of the Potomac area came in 1716 — the Canaze Indian nation. The Canaze created a path called the Tehogee Indian Trail. That path eventually became River Road.

Several years later, the first farmers came to the area. And more than 100 years later, in 1829, the cornerstone was put in place marking the completion of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in an area that had become known as Offutts Crossroads, which changed its name to Potomac.

The 2003 Census Update Survey shows the Potomac area covers 26.1 square miles and is home to 47,040 people, the majority of whom live in single-family homes. The majority of Potomac's residents are between the ages of 45 and 64, with the average age about 40.

Local Leaders
West Montgomery County Citizens Association
President: Carol Van Dam Falk
Monitors development, environmental and zoning issues in the Potomac area. This area includes the Beltway west to Muddy Branch and from the Potomac River north to Cabin John Creek, Bells Mill and the North Potomac line. WMCCA meets at 8 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month from October to May at the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Road.
www.wmcca.org

Cabin John Citizens Association
President: Burr Gray
703-607-2740
www.cabinjohn.org
A group focused on promoting and preserving the Cabin John community. The group meets at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every month, except December, June, July and August, at the Clara Barton Community Center, 7425 MacArthur Boulevard, Cabin John.

C&O Canal Association
President: Rachel Stewart
703-237-4727
www.candocanal.org
A group focused on conserving the natural and historical environment surrounding the C&O Canal. The group organizes hikes along the canal and other activities.

Friends of the Historic Great Falls Tavern
President: Don Harrison,
301-424-0229
Donh811@verizon.net
www.buildacanalboat.com
Aims to preserve historic lock keeper's home in the national park at the end of MacArthur Boulevard.

Service Groups
Potomac Community Resources Inc.
9200 Kentsdale Drive
Potomac, MD 20854
Executive director: Julia Mack
301-365-0561
www.pcr-inc.org
Provides social, recreational, therapeutic and educational programs for teens and adults with developmental disabilities.

Clubs
Cabin John Memorial
VFW Post 5633
301-299-5547
11511 MacArthur Blvd.
Potomac MD 20854
A group for people who have served in the armed forces. Post is open 4-10 p.m. Fridays.

Rotary Club of Potomac
President: Rev. Anne Benefield
301-424-4346
www.rotaryclubofpotomac.org
Organizes volunteer projects and supports education for the deaf. Meets at noon each Wednesday at Normandie Farms Restaurant, 10710 Falls Road, Potomac.

Kiwanis Club of Potomac
Community Services club holds weekly meetings on Tuesdays at the Hunter's Inn, 10123 River Road, Potomac. The Club is especially interested in supporting the educational needs of Potomac children. Contact Robert Hayk at 301-897-4729 for more information.

Potomac Area Newcomers Club
President: Mary Ann Sestili, 301-299-7369
www.PotomacNewcomers.com
A social and support group for women who have recently moved to the area that meets monthly at area restaurants, clubs and public venues. The club also runs smaller interest groups for books, bridge and other activities.

Potomac MOMS Club
President: Melody Wolins
www.momspotomac.org
MOMSPotomac@gmail.com
A local chapter of an international organization focused on supporting stay-at-home mothers. The group organizes activities such as play groups and moms' nights out. For additional information, contact Mindy Kim at 301-251-2929 or Kristin Cook at 301-424-8789. 

Potomac Theatre Company
301-299-8571
www.potomactheatreco.org
Performs community theater productions throughout the year at the Blair Family Arts Center, The Bullis School, 10601 Falls Road.

Potomac Women's Republican Club
President: Linda Lerch
301-924-4920
Political club for Republican women.

Local events
Potomac Day
The Potomac Chamber of Commerce holds the annual celebration of Potomac Village life on the last Saturday in October. The event features a parade, businesses and a fun fair.

Local schools
The Potomac area is served by the Churchill, Wootton and Whitman clusters, which includes three high schools, five middle schools and 17 elementary schools. For a complete list of schools, see page 30.

Police
Potomac is served by the Rockville District. For a full list of county police stations, see page 11.

Fire services
The Potomac area is served by the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department. For a full list of fire departments, see page 20.

Libraries
The Potomac Library is part of the county library system. For a full list of libraries, see page 22.

Business
The area is served by the Potomac Chamber of Commerce. Full a list of county chambers see page 14.