In the George's Creek Valley of Allegany County, George's Creek meanders through several small towns on its way to the Potomac River. One such town is Barton truly a small town of about six hundred inhabitants. It is named after Barton, England, the birthplace of Reverend William Shaw, who became the first permanent settler in George's Creek Valley in the late 1700s. He and his son, Major William Shaw, acquired extensive landholdings in the Valley, including the property that Major Shaw laid out in sixty-six lots as the town of Barton.

The discovery of coal in the area attracted more settlers. They came from Scotland, Ireland, and Germany, eager to work in the mines. In 1853, the first shipment of coal was made on the newly built Chesapeake and Potomac Railroad. Eventually, all the deep coal mines had been abandoned and replaced by strip mines, several of which still can be seen from the town. Today, most families in Barton are supported by other types of employment.

Barton has four churches and many volunteer groups. There is a lighted ball field, a playground, and two parks for use by community groups. A new elementary school was built in 1975 for grades K-5; grades 6-12 were consolidated in nearby towns. Barton has survived floods and fires and still maintains its peaceful and congenial atmosphere. Each year the town celebrates itself with a Party in the Park. That get-together showcases crafts, food, entertainment, and a parade through the center of town. It serves as an occasion for the people to renew their pride in the beauty of their town and in maintaining their spirit of kindness to all.