Cooling Springs was founded in 1768 by Andrew and Barbara Michael. In 1762, Andrew, the youngest son of Francis and Anna Michael, had founded the Michael Foundry in Frederick, the first foundry in western Maryland, and a boon to local economic development. More than 260 years later, the old stone foundry survives and is now used as Sky Stage, a performing arts venue. In 1743, Andrew's wife Barbara Sinn was one of the earliest European children baptized in Frederick's Evangelical Lutheran Church, the region's oldest.

Since its founding, seven generations of the Michael family have owned Cooling Springs.

Vicki Michael takes in the 447-acre tract that began in the mid-18th century as Cooling Springs. Founded July 12, 1768, the farm was one of the largest in Maryland.