Sykesville

History: Confederate Gen. J. E. B. Stuart's cavalry rode north through Sykesville and Marriottsville in June 1863. Soon, Stuart learned that Union Gen. Joseph Hooker had been relieved of his command of the Army of the Potomac in Frederick and might return to Washington on a special train that day. The Confederates burned a wooden bridge over Piney Branch east of Hood's Mill and tore up sections of track to stop the train and capture Hooker. Their plan was thwarted. An alert engineer on an earlier train spotted them and backed up to Frederick to warn Hooker.

More to Explore: Sykesville's former train station is now known as Baldwin's Station, a delightful restaurant with a concert and theater wing, hosting musical performers from the folk, acoustical and singer-songwriter genre. The venue also presents murder mystery dinner theater and children's theater. While reminiscing about Sykesville history, stop by the Sykesville Gate House Museum to discover the story of the rise of this small agricultural railroad town. Sykesville offers a variety of options for dining and shopping: several eateries and specialty shops are located in colorful historic buildings along Main Street.

Photo Credits: Photos of Sykesville, courtesy of Maryland Office of Tourism Development.