At the crossroads of conflict, the long war engulfed homes and livelihoods, leaving its mark throughout the region's cities and towns. Local citizens, though divided by conviction, were united by compassion. Discover these stories and more, while exploring local art, culture, dining, and shopping in Maryland's Civil War cities and towns. Baltimore Barnesville Boonsboro Brookeville Brunswick Buckeystown Clear Spring Cumberland Emmitsburg Frederick Funkstown Hagerstown Hancock Manchester Middletown Mount Airy New Market Oakland Poolesville Rockville Sharpsburg[...]
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Day 1 Begin with a visit to Hancock; built astride the Old National Pike, it was one of the principal stopping‐off places for stagecoaches and Conestoga wagons headed west. Get a glimpse of history at the C&O Canal Visitors Center, operated by the National Park Service. Railroad history buffs will enjoy this site for the history of the Western Maryland Railroad. After, visit the Blue Goose Fruit Market & Bakery for fresh local produce and[...]
When it comes to ice cream, Maryland is full of firsts. First ice cream on the continent? Check. Governor Thomas Bladen served up the sweet, creamy treat way back in 1744 (it was strawberry, if you’re wondering). First commercial sales of ice cream? Check again. A Baltimore milkman by the name of Jacob Fussell began the commercial selling of ice cream in Baltimore in 1851, and we’re still leading the way with the Maryland’s Best[...]
1608 – Captain John Smith explores the Chesapeake Bay 1631 – English trading post established on Kent Island 1632 – Maryland Charter granted to Cecilius Calvert by King Charles I 1633 – Ark and Dove sail from the Isle of Wight, England 1634 – Ark and Dove arrive at St. Clements Island; St. Mary's City founded 1649 – "An Act Concerning Religion" passed; Puritans founded Providence (now Annapolis) 1664 – Slavery allowed by law in[...]
At the Crossroads of Conflict In the spring of 1861, as the Civil War broke out and divided the nation, Maryland braced itself for battle. Living near the Potomac River, the conflict’s pivotal border between North and South, Maryland’s citizens would witness the brutality of the war firsthand. The long clash engulfed homes, towns and livelihoods, leaving its mark here and in the area’s many battlefields. Local citizens, though divided by conviction, were united by[...]
The National Park Service created the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom to commemorate the places and people who shaped the journey to freedom. Network to Freedom sites are documented places where the enslaved escaped from bondage, the routes they took, places where they stayed or found assistance, and sometimes places where their freedom was tried and tested. Network to Freedom programs provide authentic information about the Underground Railroad and people who escaped. Network to[...]