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Catholic Heritage Tour


Three Days and Two Nights

The very roots of religious tolerance can be traced to Maryland, which has led Frederick County to become the home to a variety of religions and historic houses of worship. Frederick's earliest settlers soon established Catholic churches in their communities, with one of the first churches, St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, consecrated in 1837.

Day One

National Shrine of Saint Elizabth Ann Seton and Grotto of Lourdes

Begin your tour in Emmitsburg at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Self-guided tours of the grounds include a video presentation depicting Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton's life and accomplishments, a tour of the original 1750's farmhouse and the colonial style "White House" (built in 1809) that served as her home. Nestled in the glorious foothills of the Catoctin Mountains, this site is a must see for any religious heritage group.

Your next stop is located at Mt. Saint Mary’s University. Father John DuBois, who was ordained in 1787, began his career as an educator in 1808 by joining the Society of Saint- Sulpice, which led him to open a school on the mountain at Emmitsburg as a petit séminaire. This he soon discovered impracticable, and, in its place, founded there the present Mt. Saint Mary's University. Located here on the college grounds is the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Your group will tour the oldest replica of The Grotto of Lourdes in the Western Hemisphere. According to legend, Father DuBois was attracted to “a light on the mountain and found a blessed spot, one of the loveliest in the world and there erected a crude cross, the symbol of the holy work he was undertaking.” This was the original Grotto, which has transformed  into a peaceful place to relax and meditate.

In the evening, The Carriage House Inn in Emmitsburg is the perfect place for dinner. This historic eatery has been serving visitors since 1857.

Day Two

Downtown Frederick Walking Tour and National Museum of Civil War Medicine

Continue on your journey through Frederick County today and stop in downtown Frederick. Embark on a walking tour focusing on the Catholic heritage of the city of Frederick and its’ important role in the Civil War. Our first stop is St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church.  In 1763 the first place of worship was erected here by Father John Williams, S.J.  The first St. John’s Church was a modest structure and served its’ parishioners for 40 years. In 1800 Father John Dubois began construction on the first brick church and it was consecrated in 1837. Under subsequent leaders, the church began to grow, including a literary institute that rivaled that of nearby Georgetown University. Also of interest is St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. The cemetery is the final resting place for many notable figures, such as Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney and Father John McElroy, S.J., who founded St. John’s Literary Institute. Also of interest are a number of French settlers and two of Napoleon’s soldiers who survived Waterloo.

Next door to St. John’s is Visitation Academy, an all-girls school for children pre-school through 8th grade. In 1846, 11 Georgetown Visitation Sisters traveled along the B&O Railroad to take the reins at the school, which was previously run by the Sisters of Charity who had moved to Emmitsburg.  The sisters eventually purchases three acres of land adjacent to the school and expanded the property. The Chapel is built in a Corinthian style and the main alter is crafted in marble. In September of 1862, the first casualties from the Battle of Antietam arrived at the Visitation Academy campus and the school was occupied by Union troops and served as hospital for wounded soldiers. During this time, the girls continued as usual with their classes.

Before a stop for lunch, see the nationally acclaimed Community Bridge Mural, where an artist has transformed a plain concrete bridge into a permanent illusion of an old stone and ivy covered bridge. Downtown Frederick offers an assortment of fine restaurants and quaint shops for an afternoon break.  

The final stop today is the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, where your group will hear the dramatic stories of the War along with the developments that set medicine on a path toward the modern era. From recruitment, to life in camp, to the road to recovery, your group will hear the personal stories of a soldier's life during the Civil War.

This evening, enjoy dinner at Brewer’s Alley Restaurant, located in the heart of Frederick's historic district.  Enjoy a delicious meal and if you choose, a tasting of the many varieties of beer made on premise.

Day Three

Historical Society of Frederick County and Schifferstadt

This morning, visit the Historical Society of Frederick County, docents will lead your group on a tour of this 1820's Federal-style mansion, which maintains a unique collection of furnishings, art and memorabilia from Frederick's past.  

In the afternoon, visit Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, where your group will tour a wonderful old stone manor house built by German immigrants in 1756. Schifferstadt provides a window into life in the 18th century and maintains much of its original exposed oak beams and hardware. A historically accurate 18th century garden completes the story of everyday farm life.


Further afield…

Washington, DC: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic Church in the United States and North America. Guided Tours may be arranged in advance. 

Please contact the following for tour, prices and operating hours:

For overnight accommodations, please refer to our Destination Frederick County Guide.

For further information please contact:

Becky Bickerton, Sales Manager, (800) 999-3613 or 301-600-4050 or e-mail at bbickerton@fredco-md.net