Altamont

History: On April 26, 1863, a detachment of Confederate Captain John H. McNeill's partisan rangers attacked the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad facilities here at Altamont. Captain Edward H. McDonald led the ranger detachment into Altamont to destroy facilities here. The rangers first cut the telegraph wires so that other stations could not be warned, then they destroyed the switching machinery and the switches in the track.

More to Explore: Deep Creek Lake, Herrington Manor and Swallow Falls state parks provide opportunities for camping, swimming, hunting, boating, fishing, picnicking, cross country skiing and hiking. The town of Oakland includes shopping venues for gifts, outdoor sporting gear and more. Relax on the green at a local golf course in Oakland, or take in Native American and military history at the Garrett County Historical Museum. Oakland and the Deep Creek Lake area offer a wide selection of restaurants and lodging.

Photo Credits:

1. "17 Mile Grade, Swanton." Photo courtesy of Garrett County Historical Society.
2. "17 Mile Grade Out of Mountain Lake Park, MD." Photo courtesy of Garrett County Historical Society.