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Seeing the peaceful Appalachian foothills and fields along Antietam Creek, it’s hard to imagine “The Bloodiest Day in American History” took place on these hallowed grounds. A Union victory here inspired President Abraham Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing thousands of slaves throughout the South. Today, a visit to the Antietam National Battlefield and visitor center is a must-do for history enthusiasts and families interested in events that shaped our nation. With hiking trails[...]

Native Americans The first inhabitants of Maryland were Paleo-Indians who came more than 10,000 years ago from other parts of North America to hunt mammoth, great bison and caribou. By 1,000 B.C., Maryland had more than 8,000 Native Americans in about 40 different tribes. Most of them spoke Algonquian languages. They grew corn, peas, squash and tobacco. They also hunted, fished and traded with tribes as far away as New York and Ohio. We do[...]

Arts & Culture The Autumn Glory Festival has so much to showcase—one parade simply isn’t enough to get the job done! The Grand Feature Parade marches more than 100 units, including custom floats by local organizations, antique vehicles, bands and more. Shopping & Craft Shows Handcrafted goods and vintage gems abound at the Autumn Glory Festival. Peruse old-fashioned finds at the weekend Antique, Vintage & Maker Market, or shop one-of-a-kind factory selections at the Bear[...]

Antietam Civil War Trails Map

Carved through the countryside and spanning 184.5 spectacular miles from Washington D.C. to Cumberland, consider the C&O Canal a canvas waiting for you to paint your picture-perfect getaway. Take it easy and stroll a few miles, then stop at one of the welcoming towns along the way. Load up your panniers and bike the whole length of this “Grand Ol’ Ditch.” Or pack up the car for an afternoon or a long weekend and explore[...]

Before the Civil War, Harriet Tubman repeatedly risked her life to guide more than 70 enslaved people from Maryland’s Eastern Shore into new lives of freedom. She was deeply rooted in values of family, faith and community and dedicated her life to humanitarian causes and continually fought for freedom. Discover Harriet Tubman in her homeland at the HARRIET TUBMAN UNDERGROUND RAILROAD VISITOR CENTER near Cambridge. The center is located within the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad[...]

Born on a farm on the banks of the Tuckahoe Creek... Frederick Douglass’s life would forever be interwoven with his home state of Maryland. That same beautiful place that he loved so deeply, was the place where he was stripped of liberty, ripped from his family, and bound by the literal chains of slavery. In Fells Point in Baltimore, Douglass cunningly watched other children read and taught himself to do the same, absorbing knowledge to[...]

With this guide to Maryland's 18 scenic byways, you can follow carefully mapped driving routes into areas rich with beauty, history and culture.

Frederick Douglass's Life in Maryland Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey was born into slavery in February of 1818. Never knowing his actual birthday, he chose for himself February 14, and gave himself the name Frederick Douglass. Douglass was born on Holme Hill Farm, near Hillsboro, on the banks of Tuckahoe Creek. For a bold and brilliant child, the lush fields and clear Maryland waters might have been a little patch of heaven. All it lacked was[...]