Sugarloaf Mountain, about 10 miles south of Frederick, Maryland, is a prominent monadnock rising above surrounding farmland and preserved today as a scenic park and National Natural Landmark. Its durable Lower Cambrian quartzite bedrock helps explain its isolated shape and visibility across parts of Montgomery and Frederick counties. The mountain entered written history in 1712, served Union forces as an observation and signal station during the Maryland Campaign of 1862, and later became associated with Gordon Strong, who acquired much of the land in the early 20th century. His stewardship helped preserve it as a privately owned, admission-free public destination for hiking, climbing, picnicking, and sightseeing.