- 1
- 2
- next
- | single page
In addition to history, Frederick also offers relaxing vistas like Carroll Creek Linear Park and a spire skyline. (June 26, 2003) |
With the roar of a cannon and under the watchful eye of Gen. George Meade (really an actor), the Maryland Civil War Trails: Gettysburg Invasion and Retreat opens today in Frederick.
The kickoff of Maryland's newest Civil War driving tour comes almost 140 years to the day after Meade was made commander of the Union forces. The change in command came in the wee hours of the morning as Meade and his men camped at Frederick's Prospect Hall, on their way to what would become the epic Battle of Gettysburg.
Gettysburg secured its spot in American history during those three days in July 1863. But until now, far less attention has been devoted to the villages and cities that the soldiers tramped through on their way to battle and as they retreated afterward.
The driving tour offers four routes that highlight sites in seven Maryland counties. In addition to Prospect Hall, the city of Frederick portion of the tour includes the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Mount Olivet Cemetery and the monument to the Battle of the Monocacy, fought in 1864.
Marci Wolff Ross, resources development manager for the Maryland Office of Tourism Development, says the state's motivation for developing the tour was partly economic. More than 1.9 million people visit Gettysburg each year and "many of those people are driving right through Maryland and not stopping, " she explains.
With heritage tourism on the rise, especially after 9/11, "it makes sense to tell the story of the trip to and from Gettysburg to get those travelers to stay longer in our state," Ross says.
Maryland's Civil War trails and similar driving tours in Virginia are unique in that they link sites according to when events occurred there. Tourists can actually begin driving in Virginia, connect to trails in Maryland and follow in the footsteps of the troops as they advanced on Gettysburg.
Interpretative markers have been placed at each stop so that even if visitors can no longer enter the site or it has changed drastically over the past 100 years or so, they can easily imagine what happened there.
It should be noted that history isn't Frederick's only draw. There are shops, restaurants and bars to enjoy.
Places to visit
National Museum of Civil War Medicine (48 E. Patrick St., 301-695-1864): An in-depth look at medical care during the Civil War and how medicine practiced during wartime advanced the field.
Barbara Fritchie House & Museum (154 W. Patrick St., 301-698-8992): Though modern research has debunked the idea that Barbara Fritchie is the woman who offered to lay down her life for her country's flag, the image immortalized in John Greenleaf Whittier's poem is still stirring. The museum is a replica of her home.
Mount Olivet Cemetery (515 S. Market St., 301-662-1164): The aforementioned Fritchie lies here, as does Francis Scott Key, author of our national anthem; Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Taney, best known for the Dred Scott decision; and Maryland's first governor, Thomas Johnson - among others.
Schifferstadt Architectural Museum (110 Rosemont Ave., 301-663-3885): This stone manor house built in 1756 remains one of the country's best examples of German Colonial architecture as well as possibly the oldest house in Frederick.
Frederick Brewing Co. (4607 Wedgewood Blvd., 301-694-7899): Watch as Blue Ridge beers and ales are brewed. Free tours 1:30 p.m. Saturdays.
Shopping
Velvet Lounge (140 N. Market St., 301-695-5700): If it's hip, it's here. The owner is a Frederick native who got tired of driving away from home to find the styles she liked.
Molly's Meanderings (17 N. Market St., 301-668-8076): Indulge in the beauty of embroidered linen towels; an extensive collection of bath oils, soaps and lotions; and softly feminine clothing.
Accentuates (116a E. Patrick St., 301-695-5787): This tiny space is chock-full of unique switch plates, address numbers, sink stoppers, fan pulls and garden-hose holders. Don't miss the stainless-steel mermaid clothes hooks.
The kickoff of Maryland's newest Civil War driving tour comes almost 140 years to the day after Meade was made commander of the Union forces. The change in command came in the wee hours of the morning as Meade and his men camped at Frederick's Prospect Hall, on their way to what would become the epic Battle of Gettysburg.
Gettysburg secured its spot in American history during those three days in July 1863. But until now, far less attention has been devoted to the villages and cities that the soldiers tramped through on their way to battle and as they retreated afterward.
The driving tour offers four routes that highlight sites in seven Maryland counties. In addition to Prospect Hall, the city of Frederick portion of the tour includes the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Mount Olivet Cemetery and the monument to the Battle of the Monocacy, fought in 1864.
Marci Wolff Ross, resources development manager for the Maryland Office of Tourism Development, says the state's motivation for developing the tour was partly economic. More than 1.9 million people visit Gettysburg each year and "many of those people are driving right through Maryland and not stopping, " she explains.
With heritage tourism on the rise, especially after 9/11, "it makes sense to tell the story of the trip to and from Gettysburg to get those travelers to stay longer in our state," Ross says.
Maryland's Civil War trails and similar driving tours in Virginia are unique in that they link sites according to when events occurred there. Tourists can actually begin driving in Virginia, connect to trails in Maryland and follow in the footsteps of the troops as they advanced on Gettysburg.
Interpretative markers have been placed at each stop so that even if visitors can no longer enter the site or it has changed drastically over the past 100 years or so, they can easily imagine what happened there.
It should be noted that history isn't Frederick's only draw. There are shops, restaurants and bars to enjoy.
Barbara Fritchie House & Museum (154 W. Patrick St., 301-698-8992): Though modern research has debunked the idea that Barbara Fritchie is the woman who offered to lay down her life for her country's flag, the image immortalized in John Greenleaf Whittier's poem is still stirring. The museum is a replica of her home.
Mount Olivet Cemetery (515 S. Market St., 301-662-1164): The aforementioned Fritchie lies here, as does Francis Scott Key, author of our national anthem; Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Taney, best known for the Dred Scott decision; and Maryland's first governor, Thomas Johnson - among others.
Schifferstadt Architectural Museum (110 Rosemont Ave., 301-663-3885): This stone manor house built in 1756 remains one of the country's best examples of German Colonial architecture as well as possibly the oldest house in Frederick.
Frederick Brewing Co. (4607 Wedgewood Blvd., 301-694-7899): Watch as Blue Ridge beers and ales are brewed. Free tours 1:30 p.m. Saturdays.
Molly's Meanderings (17 N. Market St., 301-668-8076): Indulge in the beauty of embroidered linen towels; an extensive collection of bath oils, soaps and lotions; and softly feminine clothing.
Accentuates (116a E. Patrick St., 301-695-5787): This tiny space is chock-full of unique switch plates, address numbers, sink stoppers, fan pulls and garden-hose holders. Don't miss the stainless-steel mermaid clothes hooks.
