Washington Monument

History: The Union Army used this 34-foot-tall stone tower as a signal station during the Antietam Campaign. The tower was built by Boonsboro residents in 1827 to become the first monument erected to "Father of Our Country," President George Washington.

More to Explore: The Cumberland Valley is known for its bird watching and convenient access to the Appalachian Trail, which can be hiked as it winds through the 10,000-acre South Mountain State Park. Visit Turner's Gap, Crampton's Gap and Fox's Gap, all of which saw Civil War fighting. This is a remote area, so gas up the car to reach a nearby town such as Boonsboro, where a history museum features an extensive Civil War collection.

Photos courtesy of: Collection of the Maryland State Archives