Ashton, Maryland

The etymology of Ashton is unclear, as some longtime residents claim that it comes from reference to a large ash tree that stood at the junction of routes 108 and 650.

Others have stated that it is a portmanteau of the names of two Thomas family homes, Ashland and Clifton, each located one mile from the junction.

The "Ashton Master Plan" (1998) [3] contains a vision "to preserve the character of Sandy Spring/Ashton as an historic rural community."

The plan itself notes that "reliance on a zoning strategy that permitted large-lot, low-density development pattern and clustering around the village centers has not been as effective in maintaining the rural character, as originally envisioned."

In 2020, significant development efforts have begun pursuant to the Ashton Village Center Sector Plan.