HISTORIC SITES

History Guide

TRAVEL THROUGH TIME!

ANTIETAM NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD

301-432-5124 | nps.gov/anti Sharpsburg, MD

Site of the bloodiest single-day battle of the Civil War. Films, ranger programs, museum, hiking trails and driving tour maps. Park roads open dawn until dusk. Fee charged.

BATTLE OF FALLING WATERS 1863 Williamsport, MD 21795 battleoffallingwaters1863foundation.wordpress.com

Nearly 7,000 Union cavalry and light artillery attacked Gen. Robert E. Lee’s rear guard of almost 3,000 infantrymen near Williamsport, MD, on the morning and early afternoon of July 14, 1863. Much of the battle was fought approximately two miles from the Falling Waters crossing over the Potomac River. Only 11 days after “Picket’s Charge” in Gettysburg, it is considered the final battle of the Gettysburg Campaign. It is sometimes confused with the unrelated Battle of Falling Waters (Hoke’s Run) in West Virginia two years earlier.

BOONSBORO TROLLEY STATION MUSEUM nationalrdfoundation.org/trolley-station-museum

214 N. Main St., Boonsboro, MD

One of the region’s last standing trolley stations, visitors will learn about the region’s expansive trolley network during the early 20th century. Exhibits provide a glimpse at the history of the railway, its impact on the people and communities that it served. For hours and tours by appointment visit.

BOONSBOROUGH MUSEUM OF HISTORY

301-432-6969 | www.boonsboroughmoh.org

113 N. Main St., Boonsboro, MD Displays span 5,000 years, including European arms and armor, Asian art and glassware, and Egyptology, with special emphasis on objects from the Colonial, Revolutionary, Antebellum, and Civil War periods in what is now Washington County, Maryland. Open 1-5pm Sun, May-January, and by appointment. Donations appreciated.

BOWMAN HOUSE boonsborohistoricalsociety.org/bowman-house/

323 N. Main St., Boonsboro, MD Log house was “Boonsboro Pottery” in the late 1800s. Open 2-4:30 pm every 4th Sunday from Apr-Oct or by appointment. Donations accepted.

C&O CANAL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

301-582-0813 nps.gov/choh/index.htm

Williamsport Visitor Center location:

205 W. Potomac St., Williamsport, MD

Open Mar-Nov, Sat & Sun, 10am-3pm.

Boat will launch Thurs-Sun from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekends. Call ahead to reserve boat tours.

CITY PARK TRAIN HUB

301-739-8577, Ext. 180

770 City Park Drive, (opposite The Mansion House Arts Center), City Park, Hagerstown, MD

Engine 202 is the only Western Maryland Railroad steam locomotive in existence. On-site museum, cabooses and memorabilia. Open Fri & Sat 10am4pm, Apr-Oct, and by appointment.

CONOCOCHEAGUE INSTITUTE MUSEUM & LIBRARY

717-328-2800 cimlg.org

12995 Bain Rd., Mercersburg, PA

A 30-acre site with woodlands, wetlands, meadows and gardens make the perfect backdrop for the historic buildings that make up this preserved Colonial Homestead that represents life on the Frontier of Pennsylvania. Grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk for exploration, walkers, dogs, picnics and birders, and historic programs occur every Saturday year-round from 10am to 5pm. Educational bookings and special tours available by appointment. Program times may vary during special events.

DAHLGREN CHAPEL

301-371-7090 | cmhl.org

Old National Pike, Middletown, MD

Gothic chapel constructed from native materials in the 1880s. Features walnut paneling, cathedral ceilings, marble floors and a marble altar imported from Italy. Available to rent for weddings and events. Open by appointment only.

FIRST HAGERSTOWN HOSE COMPANY MUSEUM OF FIREFIGHTING HISTORY

301-797-0843 engineone.org

31 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD

Over 200 years of firefighting history for the City of Hagerstown and Washington County. See artifacts denoting past and present history. Enjoyed by young and old alike. Free. Sat, 1-5pm.

FORT FREDERICK STATE PARK

301-842-2155 dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/ fortfrederickcivilwar.aspx

West of Hagerstown near Big Pool, MD

Built in 1756 to protect settlers during the French and Indian War, the fort hosts interpretive programs and special events. Fee for fort entrance and guided tours. Open 8am-sunset Apr-Oct; 10amsunset Nov-Mar.

THE GEORGE ALFRED TOWNSEND MUSEUM & WAR

CORRESPONDENTS ARCH AT GATHLAND STATE PARK

301-791-4767 | dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/ pages/western/gathland.aspx

Junction of Gapland and Arnoldstown Rds. Burkittsville, MD

Large stone arch erected on land involved in the Battle of South Mountain. The museum chronicles Townsend’s life and houses Civil War artifacts. The Appalachian Trail traverses the park. Park open on weekends Apr & Oct, Thurs-Mon from May-Sept. (Closed during winter).

HAGERSTOWN AVIATION MUSEUM

301-733-8717 hagerstownaviationmuseum.org

OFFICE: 18540 Showalter Rd. Bldg #8

EVENT ENTRANCE: 14211 Basore Dr., Hagerstown, MD Highlights the region’s 100+ years of aviation history, featuring aircraft built in Hagerstown by Fairchild Aircraft. Open during special events and by appointment only.

HISTORIC CITY FARMER’S MARKET

240-500-4582 | 25 W. Church Street mainstreethagerstown.org/farmersmarket

The Historic City Farmers Market is the oldest farmers market in the State of Maryland. This is a seasonal market open the third Thursday, May-October, 3PM-6PM is located in the Hub City Brewery parking lot. Enjoy fresh produce, artisan food, handmade goods, food trucks, and live music.

Hagerstown Model Railroad Museum At Antietam Station

301-800-9829 antietamstation.com

17230 Shepherdstown Pike, Sharpsburg, MD

Built in 1911, Antietam Station houses railroad artifacts and model railroad layouts. Donations accepted. Open during special events.

HAGERSTOWN ROUNDHOUSE MUSEUM, INC.

301-739-4665 roundhouse.org

296 S. Burhans Blvd., Hagerstown, MD Memorabilia from the Hagerstown Roundhouse and area railroads. Model railroads, gift shop, and trains for kids to run. Trains of Christmas, Nov-Feb; Railroad Heritage Days in May. Open 12-4pm, Fri-Sun. Fee charged.

HANCOCK MUSEUM

301-678-5622 townofhancock.org

126 W. High St., Hancock, MD Historical items and a large postcard collection. Open seasonally. Call for hours.

Historic Bowles House

301-714-2233 canaltrust.org/discoveryarea/bowles-house/

439 E. Main St., Hancock, MD

Historic Fort Ritchie

301-241-2231 ritchiemuseum.org

25009 Lake Wastler Drive, Cascade, MD

Historic Fort Ritchie, a decommissioned Army

Post and home of both the Ritchie Boys of WWII and 7th Signal Command, has a rich military history spanning 72 years. Paired with expanding businesses, beautiful scenery, lakes, walking paths, and a museum, there’s something for everyone to learn and do at Fort Ritchie!

HISTORIC FUNKSTOWN

301-791-0948 | funkstown.com

Alt. 40, four miles from Hagerstown, MD

Quaint town boasts many Civil War-era houses, along specialty shops. Village-wide “Olde Tyme Christmas” every December.

JONATHAN HAGER HOUSE AND MUSEUM

301-739-8577, Ext. 170 hagerstownmd.org/

309/Jonathan-Hager-House-Museum

Hagerstown City Park 110 Key St., Hagerstown, MD

The original 1739 home of Hagerstown’s founder. Musuem open seasonally, Fri. & Sat. 10am-4pm and by appointment. Fee Charged.

MILLER HOUSE

301-797-8782 washcomdhistoricalsociety.org/miller-house.php

135 W. Washington St., Hagerstown, MD Wash. Co. Historical Society headquarters and Kinship Family Heritage Research Center. Period furnishings, Civil War collections, local pottery, toys and antique cars. Museum Tours on Fri & Sat @ 1pm, 2pm & 3pm only. Office and Library open year-round Tue-Sat, 9am-4:30pm, except holidays. Fee charged.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CIVIL WAR MEDICINE

301-695-1864 | civilwarmed.org

48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, MD

Offers a variety of tours and galleries with fullimmersion exhibits that tell the story of caring for the sick and wounded in the Civil War. Open 10am5pm, Thurs-Sat; 11am-5pm, Sun.

NEWCOMER HOUSE EXHIBIT AND VISITOR

INFORMATION CENTER FOR THE HEART OF THE CIVIL WAR HERITAGE AREA

301-432-6402 | newcomerhouse.com

18422 Shepherdstown Pike, Keedysville, MD Fascinating interpretive exhibits, brochures, Civil War Trails map guides and other materials. Open Apr & May (weekends) 10am-4pm; June-Sept (daily) 11am-5pm; Oct & Nov (weekends) 10am-4pm. Donations accepted.

PLUMB GROVE MANSION

301-842-2342 facebook.com/PlumbGrove

12654 Broadfording Rd., Clear Spring, MD Rural 1831 farmhouse offers tours and annual holiday open house. Open 1-4pm first Sunday of each month from June-Oct, during special events and by appointment. Donations accepted.

For More Info: www.hagerstownmd.org/Historic Sites Museums

Welcome back to a time when the pace was a bit slower and life centered around the farm, family and community.

Visit

TOLSON’S CHAPEL

240-452-7389 | tolsonschapel.org

111 E. High St., Sharpsburg, MD

Historic African-American church and Freedman’s Bureau school. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open by appointment only. Donations accepted.

WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM info.ruralheritagemuseum@gmail.com

7313 Sharpsburg Pike (MD Route 65 South) Boonsboro, MD

Explore 3 Indoor Museums, stroll through a mid-1800 Rural Village, enjoy self-guided tours and discover the inventions that were part of the Industrial Revolution, Civil War and Reconstruction period in Washington County. Open April 1 through December 3, Sat & Sun 1pm-4pm and by appointment, Donations appreciated.

WASHINGTON MONUMENT STATE PARK

301-791-4767 dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/ washington.aspx

South Mountain, near Boonsboro, MD www.ruralheritagemuseum.org

PRY HOUSE FIELD HOSPITAL MUSEUM

301-416-2395 | 301-695-1864 civilwarmed.org/pry/ Antietam National Battlefield

18906 Shepherdstown Pike (Md 34) Keedysville, MD

Highlights period medical innovations and a re-creation of a field hospital. Historic barn hosts events and a small exhibit. Open daily June-Oct 11am-5pm; Nov-May 11am-4pm (Sat and Sun only). Donations accepted.

ROSE HILL CEMETERY

301-739-3630 rosehillcemeteryofmd.org

600 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD Rose Hill Cemetery is a public cemetery servicing Washington Co. and surrounding areas. It is the final resting place of many local famous politicians, inventors, entrepreneurs, artists and highly decorated military officers. It is also the location of the historic Washington Confederate Cemetery.

SHARPSBURGH MUSEUM OF HISTORY

301-800-6877 sharpsburghmuseumofhistory.com

106 E. Main St., Sharpsburg, MD Sharpsburgh Museum of History covers the history of Sharpsburg, its town, and district. Our goal is to give a glimpse into the lives of its people before, during, and after the American Civil War.

SOUTH MOUNTAIN STATE BATTLEFIELD

301-432-8065 dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/ Pages/western/southmountainbattlefield.aspx

Stretches between Washington Monument and Gathland State Parks. Park office is three miles east of Boonsboro and one mile north of Alt. 40 at Turner’s Gap. Open year-round 8am-sunset.

Williamsport History Museumspringfield Farm

301-223-5854 wmspthistory.org/town-museum-of-williamsport

14 Springfield Farm Ln., Williamsport, MD Pictures, chairs from the Williamsport DeFrehn Factory, Williamsport High School Room and C&O Canal Memorabilia. Annual events include Community Sunrise Celebration, Retreat through Williamsport Civil War Weekend, WWII Weekend and Celebration of Trees. Open 1-4pm Sun and by appointment.

Wilson Store

301-582-4718 Find Us on Facebook

Route 40 W., just past Conococheague Creek on Rufus Wilson Rd., Clear Spring, MD

Circa-1850 general store stocks everything from seed potatoes to liniment to modern groceries. Store open Wed-Sat 10am-5pm.

First monument completed in honor of George Washington. Museum has battlefield and monument artifacts. Open 9am-sunset. Fee charged.

WESTERN MARYLAND RAIL TRAIL

301-842-2155 | westernmarylandrailtrail.org/WMRT/

From Big Pool to Pearre, MD

Hiking/biking trail built on about 28 miles of abandoned railroad bed. Parallels Potomac River and C&O Canal. Interpretive programs and special events. Open daily.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY

United States’ history and the history of the Civil War cannot be told accurately without the context of slavery. The Battle of Antietam, which took place in Sharpsburg, resulted in President Lincoln’s issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

301-791-0498 155 N. Jonathan St., Hagerstown, MD

The oldest African-American church in the city.

DOLEMAN BLACK HERITAGE MUSEUM

301-797-5019 | dolemanblackheritagemuseum.org

33 W. Washington St., 2nd floor, Hagerstown, MD

This private collection contains artifacts from Washington County’s African-American history.

FERRY HILL PLANTATION

301-582-0813 301-739-4200

16500 Shepherdstown Pike, Sharpsburg, MD

This one-time private residence was once a stop on the Underground Railroad.

FORT FREDERICK STATE PARK

301-842-2155 dnr.maryland.gov

11100 Fort Frederick Rd., Big Pool, MD

A free African-American who helped escaping slaves during the Civil War once owned the land that is now Fort Frederick State Park.

HARMON HOTEL AT HISTORICAL MARKER

Hagerstown, MD

During segregation, this hotel was the only place for visiting African-Americans to stay in Hagerstown. A marker is located near the former hotel on Jonathan St., between W. Bethel and W. Church Streets.

NORTH STREET SCHOOL

Located on North St., Hagerstown, MD

Now the Martin Luther King Center, this facility served as the county’s first secondary school for African-Americans.

Rose

HILL CEMETERY

301-739-3630 rosehillcemeteryofmd.org

600 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD

Visit the new African-American Civil War Veterans Monument and Memorial and Jacob Wheaton’s grave (the first Black Person to vote in Maryland after the Civil War).

ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

301-582-0417 | stmarkslappans.org

18313 Lappans Rd., Boonsboro, MD

Founded in 1849, a restoration of the original slave balcony can be seen and the historic cemetery contains the graves of several former slaves.

ST. THOMAS’ EPISCOPAL CHURCH

301-678-6569 stthomashancock.org

2 E. High St., Hancock, MD

Founded in 1835, this church served as a hospital for Union soldiers during the Civil War. Women from the congregation and town nursed the wounded within the Nave itself.

TOLSON’S CHAPEL

240-452-7389 | tolsonschapel.org

111 E. High St., Sharpsburg, MD

The African-American community built this church, which served as a spiritual and educational center. Open by appointment.

The Underground Railroad in Hagerstown

From the 1740s through the Civil War era, slavery was part of life in Washington County. In 1820, about 14% of the county’s population, or 3,200 people, were enslaved. When the Civil War broke out, almost 1,500 people were still enslaved in the county. Slavery was finally abolished in Maryland in November 1864.

Hagerstown and Washington County are rich in significant and fascinating Black history sites.

Over the long period of slavery, many Washington Countians fled from bondage. Escapes were common, though it’s impossible to know how often they succeeded. Most of the help that freedom-seekers received locally was from free people of color.

Existing mainly in Pennsylvania and other northern states, a network of activists known as the Underground Railroad helped people escape from slavery to safety. To reach the organized Underground Railroad, a freedom-seeker from Maryland or Virginia usually had to cross the Mason-Dixon Line (the Pennsylvania State Line) first. At times the Underground Railroad did stretch into Western Maryland.

For more in depth stories of our African American history and key local figures, download our African American Heritage brochure and our award-winning Underground Railroad in Hagerstown Walking Tour brochure in our Virtual Visitor Welcome Center: https:// www.visithagerstown.com/download-brochures