Fort Frederick

History: With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, the area around Fort Frederick became strategically significant. The U.S. Army acted to protect the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, a quarter-mile south of the fort, and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad across the Potomac River in present-day West Virginia. The 1st Maryland Infantry (U.S.) under the command of Colonel John Kenly arrived in December 1861 to guard the canal and the fords and ferries between Four Locks, to the east, and Cherry Run, to the west. Other Federal military companies also occupied the area throughout the war to protect the railroad.

More to Explore: Fort Frederick was built in 1756 and saw action through four wars. The fort hosts interpretive programs and special events. Camp along the Potomac River in Fort Frederick State Park, observe the wildlife as you hike along The Beaver Pond Trail, or just enjoy a quiet picnic. In the area, you can explore architecture from the Civil War era by touring the historic stone bridges of Washington County along Antietam Creek. Pick up a guide to the The Bridges of Washington County at the Hagerstown Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Photo Credits:

1. "Historic American Buildings Survey, Albert S. Burns, Photographer c. 1934, 1935. PERSPECTIVE SKETCH – Fort Frederick, Hagerstown, Washington County, MD." Courtesy of Library of Congress