Wheaton, Maryland is located 15 miles from the Baltimore-Washington International Airport, eight miles from the University of Maryland, and 15 miles from downtown Washington DC. It is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Wheaton was named in honor of Major General Frank Wheaton, Civil War general in the Union Army, who commanded the defense of Washington from Ft. Stevens against Confederate General Jubal Early's forces. In the late 1960's, either George F. Plyer, Postmaster, or Charles A. Eccleston, another early settler, chose the name of Wheaton for this new community. Except for a short period of time, when the name was changed in the mid-1870's to Leesborough, Wheaton has been the official name.

The Brookside Gardens and Nature Center in Wheaton, is a magnet for nature enthusiasts, hobbyists, and gardeners in the area and is the host of many special events. Montgomery County's award-winning 50-acre garden is in the Wheaton Regional Park. Scheduled events in the gardens are eagerly awaited, such as the yearly "Wings of Fancy" Live Butterfly Show, where visitors can experience the thrill of being in a butterfly swarm (and having them light on you).

Wheaton Regional Park is Montgomery County's spectacular contribution to residents and visitors alike. Featuring a working, restored, 1915 Hershel Spillman carousel, and a miniature train (which passes over a trestle bridge during park tours), the park also offers horseback riding, fishing (in the stocked lake), ice skating (there is an indoor ice arena at the athletic complex), hiking, and picnicking (Pine Lake is 5-acres in size).

Wheaton's population in 2000 was 57,694. Wheaton is located in west central Maryland, between Rock Creek (in Washington DC) and the northwestern branch of the Anacostia River.

Primarily a residential suburb of Washington, D.C., Wheaton is a family oriented, forward thinking community noted for its excellent school system, open vistas, clean streets, and quality parks. Wheaton's access to world class entertainment and cultural attractions is via a state-of-the-art transportation system that includes Metro. Rehobeth Beach, Ocean City, and Bethany Beach are within easy driving distances for day trips.