The mission of the foundation is to preserve land(s) on which the battle was fought. Nearly 7,000 Union cavalry and light artillery attached 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.
July 13 – 20, 2019
Sharpsburg Pike, MD
The Washington County Ag Expo and Fair provides fun for the whole family! Come out for the day or take advantage of our passes. The Gate & Events Pass offers unlimited access to the fair and track events all week. Parking is free.
All Gate Admission Passes include Open Class and 4-H/FFA exhibits and shows, Live Bands, Machinery and Equipment displays, Business displays, and many weekly activities! Carnival rides not included in general admission.
Days Open: April-November
Hours: 11am-5pm April, May, Oct, Nov; weekends only. June-Sept: daily.
The historic Newcomer House at Antietam National Battlefield is the site of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area Exhibit and Visitor Center
Days Open: Year Round
Hours: 9 AM – Sunset
In Washington County, four miles east of Boonsboro and 1 1/2 miles north of Alternate Route 40 on Monument Road, Washington Monument State Park is named for the first monument in the country erected to the Father of our Country, George Washington. A rugged stone tower was dedicated to the first president by the citizens of Boonsboro in 1827. Picnicing, hiking, historic interests, picnic shelters available with reservation.
Come walk back in time at Wilson Store. We have the Best Sharp Cheese in town, plus several other types. Candy galore, Hickory Smoked Sweet Bologna
Days Open: 7 days
Hours: Tue.-Fri. 10am-4pm, Sun. 7am – 1pm
Founded in 1849, St. Mark’s has served the community as a place of worship, education and service.
Nestled on 100 rolling acres in Maryland’s Pleasant Valley, Big Cork Vineyards embodies the bold and expressive landscape of our heritage. Picturesque mountain view, elegant tasting room, national and international award-winning wines, along with a Grab-and-Go Market. Open year round. Check the website for dates and times.
Days Open: Thursday – Monday
Hours: Thursday – Monday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Fridays until 9:00 pm (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Days Open: Saturday & Sundays (other days by Appointment)
Hours: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Depicting the heritage of local farming life, this museum displays antique farm equipment, an authentic turn-of-the-century country store, and model rooms of a typical 19th century farmhouse and a gift shop. Located off Route 65, first building at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center. Any size groups are welcome.
Days Open: By Appointment
African American Heritage site, dedicated to preserving the history of the first black church and Freedmen’s Bureau school, in Sharpsburg, MD. A wayside marker is located on the property for more information.
Days Open: Closed Sundays during the Summer
Hours: Monday – Saturday from 9am-5pm
THE TRAIN ROOM OFFERS MODEL RAILROADING ENTHUSIAST, COLLECTORS AND NOVICE ALIKE A COMPLETELY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE. A LARGE DISPLAY OF LIONEL MODEL RAILROADING ITEMS IN O, 027 AND STANDARD GAUGE. A TWO LEVEL, FOUR TRACK MODEL RAILROAD LAY-OUT. Group rates available for the museum
Days Open: Daily
Hours: 8am to Dusk
Begin your visit of South Mountain Battlefield at the Washington Monument State Park Office and Museum at 6620 Zittlestown Road in Boonsboro; or Gathland State Park in Burkittsville, MD.
Days Open: Open by appointment only, April – November.
Hours:
Operated by the Washington County Historical Society. Authentically refurbished turn-of-the-century one-room schoolhouse and museum. Special rates for youth and group tours. Group tours may call for appointments on unscheduled days.
Days Open: 7 days a week
Hours: 8:30 AM – Dusk
At Sharpsburg, the site of the bloodiest single day battle in American history. Casualties totaled more than 23,000 on September 17, 1862. Clara Barton cared for wounded soldiers here. Visit Dunker Church, Bloody Lane, Burnside Bridge and the Visitor’s Center. Open year round. Admission to Visitors Center. Driving tours.
Originally built to move goods from Washington DC to the west, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal is now a hub of recreational activity, with hiking, biking, bird watching, horse-back riding and more. Williamsport, MD is its geographical center, and visitors here can experience the Canal first-hand with ranger-led boat rides and towpath tours. Stay at a Lock House to experience life as it was “back in the day” and scarf up a healthy lunch at Desert Rose Cafe while there. In Hancock, MD, visitors can pick up the Rail Trail, a paved portion that runs alongside the towpath, to Fort Frederick State Park. But first, grab some pie at Weaver’s Restaurant or the Blue Goose Fruit Market & Bakery!
236 miles – Allow 4 hours to drive the byway
Workers who toiled on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal between 1828 and 1859 could not have imagined that their engineering feat – designed for the sole purpose of speeding up commercial trade – would one day become a hub of outdoor recreational activity. Hiking, biking, bird watching and mule-drawn barge rides are among the many popular pursuits now enjoyed beside this peaceful passage.
During its century of service, the canal worked with a system of 74 lift locks that regulated water levels, allowing boats laden with coal, flour, lumber, grain and produce to be pulled by mule trams walking on an adjacent towpath. Their 184.5-mile journey stretched from the mountains of Western Maryland, through farmland and forest, to the tidewater outskirts of our nation’s capital. Your journey follows this same course, allowing you to make heritage discoveries along each new mile.
Days Open: April – December
Hours: Wed-Sat 1-4 PM….Special rates for bus and group tours.
The fine old brick mansion at 135 West Washington Street in Hagerstown is the headquarters of the Washington County Historical Society. Research indicates that the main structure of the house was built for William Price, a prominent young attorney, who acquired the property in 1823. The mansion is a typical town house of the late Federal period. In the entrance hall is the original hanging stairway rising in a graceful curve to the third floor. There are several bedrooms with furnishings from the 1850s through the 1870s. Exhibits include papers and historic items from the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War and the C&O Canal. A wonderful clock collection may also be found within the walls of Miller House showcasing clocks large and small from local clockmakers of yesteryear. Simms Jamieson Historical and Genealogical Library is open year round in lower level of the Miller House from Tues-Sat 9am – 4pm.
Days Open: May -Oct on the 4th Sunday
Hours: 1-4 PM
The Bowman House is a log house in Boonsboro, Maryland, United States, typical of those built in the area in the early 19th century. It and its immediate grounds housed the “Boonsboro Pottery” from 1868, owned by John E. Bowman. The pottery closed by 1908, succumbing to mass-produced materials. The building is now the headquarters of the Boonsboro Historical Society.
Days Open: Park open year-round and museum open April-October on weekends
Hours: Museum open April-October on weekends from Noon-5 PM
Astride the ridge known as South Mountain, near Burkittsville at Crampton’s Gap, lies Gathland State Park. The home of an unusual man, Gathland was an architecturally unique estate made up of as many as 20 structures, many of them built of rugged stone, individual in purpose and design. A number of buildings still stand, and the remains of others may be seen by visitors to the park. The park’s museum includes exhibits on Townsend’s personal life, Gathland’s past and tells the story of the Battle of Crampton’s Gap. A self-guided walking tour of the estate is available by contacting the park.
Complimentary site to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine’s main location, focusing on battlefield medicine after Antietam. Located in the historic Philip Pry House and barn. Exhibits, educational programs, special events.
Days Open: April – October
Hours: Friday and Saturday 10am-4pm, other days by appointment
Located in beautiful Hagerstown City Park, the Jonathan Hager House is the original home of Jonathan Hager, the founder of Hagerstown. Built in 1739, the Hager House was uniquely erected over two springs, on a 200 acre tract called Hagar’s Fancy. In 1740 Jonathan presented the newly constructed house to his bride Elizabeth Kershner. Hager was an active participant of the community as a farmer and gunsmith. During the French and Indian War he served as a Captain of Scouts. He died in a construction accident in 1775 during a time when he served on various pre-Revolutionary War committees. He is considered not only the founder of Hagerstown, but also as the founder of Washington County.
Days Open: Tuesday – Sunday
Hours: Tues. – Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The museum highlights through a series of photographs, models and other material, the 70-year history of aviation and aviation-related manufacturing in the Hagerstown area.
Days Open: May-Sept Sundays Only
Hours: Sun. 1-5PM and by appt.
“One of the best little museums in America” and “a miniature Smithsonian. The museum houses a vast and unique collection of historical objects of local and national importance. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to objects found on local Civil War battlefields, there is something for everyone at the Boonsborough Museum of History. Just a few of the things visitors will see include: a letter written by Clara Barton, a chair used in the Lincoln White House, a large collection of firearms from around the world, a one-of-a-kind collection of carved bullets from the Civil War, objects associated with local folklore and magic and beautiful antique glassware and pottery.
The 1/4-mile N.H.R.A. drag strip’s season runs Mar-Nov Racing is open to street cars, imports, race cars, motorcycles and sleds.
American history from the colonial period to the present can be discovered at Fort Frederick State Park. Our 585 acre park features a unique stone fort that served as Maryland’s frontier defense during the French and Indian War.
The park borders the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal passes through the park. The park also features a boat launch, campsites, camp store, fishing, flat water canoeing, a hiking trail, interpretive and educational programs, picnicking, a playground, and a shelter.
Days Open: Monday – Saturday
Hours: 8:30am-4:00pm. Sat 9am-12 noon.
Rose Hill Cemetery is an active non-profit public cemetery servicing Washington County and surrounding areas. In addition to being the final resting place of over 42,000 individuals, including many local and nationally famous people, it is also the location of the historic Washington Confederate Cemetery. Rose Hill Cemetery offers modern day interment services, monument sales and prepayment options. To learn more about our history, historic walking tours or to receive our e-newsletter visit our website. Cemetery gates are always open.
Hours: 8am – Dusk
South Mountain State Park is a 40-mile long multi-use state park weaving along the South Mountain ridge from the Pennsylvania line to the Potomac River. It has no distinguishable boundary or entrance facility. South Mountain State Park can be accessed at a number of locations. Most of the park is only accessible by foot. Five beautiful state parks on the Eastern edge of Washington County. Adventure guides and brochures are available at Greenbrier State Park.
Days Open: March – November
Hours: ZOO HOURS: March and November- Open weekends, weather permitting, 10-4. April and October – Open Daily 10-5. May and September- Open Daily 9-5. Memorial Day through Labor Day – Open 9-6.
Nestled in 26 acres of woods, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo features creatures from around the world. Major attractions include 1,000 pound grizzly bear, tigers, zookeeper talks and educational stage presentations featuring touchable animals
The “Bloodiest Single-day of Battle” of the Civil War took place at Antietam, near Sharpsburg. Park living history programs at Antietam National Battlefield provide a glimpse into the lives of Civil War soldiers. Learn about Civil War medicine at the Pry House Museum. Annual events include an Independence Day concert and December’s Antietam Memorial Illumination, with 23,110 lights placed along a five-mile driving route.
As the autumn of 1862 approached, President Abraham Lincoln felt he needed a decisive Union victory to ensure that there would be support for a yet-to-be-announced proclamation freeing the slaves. It’s still debatable just how decisive the slaughter at Antietam – remembered as “The Bloodiest Single Day of the Civil War” – truly was. By sheer numbers, the Sept. 17 battle ended in a draw, with 10,7000 Confederates and 12,4000 Union soldiers killed, wounded or missing in action. However, General George McClellan’s Union army thwarted the Rebel advance north, and a few days after the cannons fell silent, Lincoln visited the battlefield.
This byway roughly follows the chronology of events beginning Sept. 4, as General Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia crossed the Potomac River into Maryland, and ending two weeks later as Lee’s forces limped back into West Virginia. The byway brings you face to face with both familiar and lesser-known Civil War stories, while also placing you among breathtaking scenery and convenient recreational opportunities.
126 miles – Allow 4 hours to drive the byway.
The Hagerstown Speedway is a true 1/2 mile track with straight-aways over 900 ft. long & 70 ft. wide. The track is 90 ft. wide in the turns. The racing surface is made of the finest red clay in the nation. The smooth, wide surface makes Hagerstown Speedway one of the fastest and safest dirt tracks in the U.S. on which to race.
Days Open: April – September
Class A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, the Hagerstown Suns, promise all fans who attend complete fun, family entertainment in the tri-county area. See our website for ticket information and merchandise availability.
Hours: 1-4 PM
Visit the museum located in the barn and operated by the History and Museum Board and observe firsthand the rich heritage and history of Williamsport. Open Sundays, 1PM – 4PM.
Days Open: Daily Apr – Oct / Weekends Nov – Mar
Hours: Apr – Oct 10am – 5pm / Nov – Mar 11am – 4 pm
At Crystal Grottoes, we pride ourselves on offering an educational and worthwhile trip with competent, accommodating, and well-informed guides, capable of explaining the history, formations, and geological aspects of the Caverns. The spectacular tour takes forty minutes, and is guided through brilliantly lighted chambers on dry, clean walkways.
Days Open: By Appointment
Hours: By Appointment
A Heritage Room, displaying artifacts of the area, has been established and is open to the public by appointment.
Days Open: Daily
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Park Grounds are open daylight hours.
The Bloodiest One Day Battle in American History where 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia’s first invasion into the North and led to Abraham Lincoln’s issuance of the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Antietam National Battlefield is one of the most pristine Civil War battlefields in the country.
Days Open: April-October
Hours: Friday and Saturday 10am-4pm, other days by appointment
Located in City Park, the Hagerstown Railroad Museum features hundreds of signs, signals, bells, telephones and tools that were used by railroad workers every day. Most of the items in this significant collection came from the Western Maryland Railroad Company. Of special interest are an 1885 Pump Car and an 1875 Velocipede; both vehicles transported workers to rails or rail cars to make repairs. The crown jewel of the museum is Steam Engine 202. This Locomotive was built in 1912 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works and it carried passengers and baggage between Baltimore and Hagerstown. It was retired in 1953. Totaling 77 feet in length, the engine weighs 415,000 pounds. Steam Engine 202 is the only Western Maryland road-type steam locomotive in existence. In addition to the locomotive and its coal tender, eight cabooses are also on display.
A boutique winery located in Historic Funkstown, Blue Mountain offers a wide variety of wine from dry to sweet specializing in fruit wines. Make your own wine or buy your home brewing and wine making supplies, and visit our gift shop.
Days Open: Sun-Mon, Wed-Sat, closed Tue
Hours: Sun 12PM-5PM, Mon 11AM-6PM, Wed-Sat 11AM-6PM,
Hours: Box Office hours are Tuesday-Thursday 11am-6pm, Friday and Saturday Noon-5pm
The Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater and Children’s Theater presents Broadway style musicals and comedies year round. The experience begins with a salad bar, hot buffet, dessert, and full bar followed by the stage show. Shows for young audiences are performed on select Saturdays. New owners Shawn and Laura Martin have been acting and directing professional and semi-professional theater for their entire adult lives. Come to The Playhouse for high quality entertainment in the heart of Hagerstown’s Arts and Entertainment district.
Days Open: Tours by appointment
Kennedy Farm, Maryland a national historic landmark, used during the summer of 1859 by John Brown and his Provisional Army of the United States. From this house in 1859, John Brown, the storied abolitionist, seized the Federal Armory at Harpers Ferry, just across the Potomac River. Recently restored, this log house is on the National Registry. Open summer weekends.
Originally built to move goods from Washington DC to the west, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal is now a hub of recreational activity, with hiking, biking, bird watching, horse-back riding and more. Williamsport, MD is its geographical center, and visitors here can experience the Canal first-hand with ranger-led boat rides and towpath tours. Stay at a Lock House to experience life as it was “back in the day” and scarf up a healthy lunch at Desert Rose Cafe while there. In Hancock, MD, visitors can pick up the Rail Trail, a paved portion that runs alongside the towpath, to Fort Frederick State Park. But first, grab some pie at Weaver’s Restaurant or the Blue Goose Fruit Market & Bakery!
236 miles – Allow 4 hours to drive the byway
Workers who toiled on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal between 1828 and 1859 could not have imagined that their engineering feat – designed for the sole purpose of speeding up commercial trade – would one day become a hub of outdoor recreational activity. Hiking, biking, bird watching and mule-drawn barge rides are among the many popular pursuits now enjoyed beside this peaceful passage.
During its century of service, the canal worked with a system of 74 lift locks that regulated water levels, allowing boats laden with coal, flour, lumber, grain and produce to be pulled by mule trams walking on an adjacent towpath. Their 184.5-mile journey stretched from the mountains of Western Maryland, through farmland and forest, to the tidewater outskirts of our nation’s capital. Your journey follows this same course, allowing you to make heritage discoveries along each new mile.