Museums and Historic Sites

Frederick County remembers. From the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park, to the monuments to earlier heroes, a visit to these special sites is both moving and educational. The War Correspondents Memorial Arch, constructed in memory of War Correspondents, was recently updated to include those who lost their lives while reporting from Afghanistan and Iraq. You’ll find the final resting places of the first American-born saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton the author of our National Anthem, Francis Scott Key; and his brother-in-law, Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney. Hundreds of Civil War dead and veterans of every American conflict are interred and remembered here.

Historic structures also remind us of Frederick County’s role in American history. While some are open as museums, many others may be seen along the way as you travel through Frederick County.

Frederick County has a star spangled history that has played a role in every chapter of the American story. Our county has played host to George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and almost every other U.S. President, Benjamin Franklin, the Marquis de Lafayette, Winston Churchill, and Robert E. Lee. Yet, some of the most compelling stories of our past come from the everyday experiences of early German immigrants who farmed our land, enslaved and free African Americans, civilians during wartime, and laborers in the county’s early industries. Learn about our intriguing past at our many museums and historic sites, staffed by knowledgeable curators, where you’ll gain insight into such historic specializations as architecture, genealogy, railroading, industry, religion, firefighting, and more. Driving and walking tours, available at our visitor centers, give meaning and context to our rich history.

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This non-profit land trust preserves South Mountain Battlefield sites and is restoring two historical structures, the Lamar Center and the Dahlgren Chapel. Call first.

200 W. Main St., Ste A
Middletown, MD 21769

Dahlgren Chapel      
Across from South Mountain Inn, at Turner's Gap on South Mountain, Alternate Rt. 40.

6133 Old National Pike
Boonsboro, MD 21713

U.S. Army installation, hosting multifaceted health research, logistics and communications services for the safety and health of the nation. Fort Detrick is the largest employer, recognized family friendly place to work in the area as well as home to the historic Nallin Farm and new Veterans Administration community health center.

Porter St. & Military Rd.
Frederick , MD 21702

We are proud to announce the opening of the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum and the National Fire Heritage Center.  See displays that highlight apparatus, equipment and pictures of the colorful history of the Frederick County fire and rescue service. Featured units will include a 1939 Ahrens-Fox piston pumper owned by the United Steam Fire Engine Company No. 3 and the "Old Lady" 1821 hand tub pumper that served both Frederick and Libertytown. Learn about plans for the office and research center of the National Fire Heritage Center, a national organization that is in the process of developing a national fire service archive in Emmitsburg.

300 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727

(301) 898-5578
Map It! | Driving Directions

The new Frederick Visitor Center is on the site of the former Frederick Spoke Factory, which was in active production at the end of the 19th century.  The current day building's history can be traced to circa-1899, when it was constructed as a warehouse of the Monocacy Valley Canning Company.  The site capitalizes on Frederick's location at the hub of a network of highways that fan out like the spokes of a wheel, connecting many of Frederick County's attractions and natural and cultural resources.  Exhibit design elements in the building and exhibits also echo this theme.  Guests can see the "big picture" of all Frederick County has to offer when they view the new orientation film, A Turn of the Wheel.

151 S. East Street
Frederick, MD 21701

(301) 600-4047
(800) 999-3613
Website | Map It! | Driving Directions

Closed to public, pending restoration. Completed in 1780, this National Historic Site held captured German soldiers during the Revolution, then it housed a state armory, the county fair, a Civil War hospital, and the first building of Maryland School for the Deaf. Museum exhibits weapons, Civil War militaria, a hearth kitchen, and an antique classroom.

101 Clarke Place
Frederick, MD 21701

(301) 360-2011
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Look for this site within a fenced compound, down the Street from the Visitor Center.

5 Commerce Street
Frederick, MD 21701

Hood College, a coeducational liberal arts college, offers bachelor’s degrees in 30 majors, 14 master’s degrees and six certificate and certification programs. Hood is noted for its success in preparing students for careers and professions while providing a broad and rigorous liberal arts education. Hood offers an honors program for selected students and an extensive career resource center and its proximity to Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Fort Detrick provides numerous research and internship opportunities for students.

401 Rosemont Ave.
Frederick, MD 21701

The John Hanson National Memorial honors Frederick's John Hanson, first president of the nation's original government under the Articles of Confederation. The Memorial stands in the County Courthouse plaza beside the site of John Hanson House.

100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701

Roadside park showcasing historic stone demijohn from the original Jug Bridge, with picnic tables and a marker commemorating Lafayette's visit to Frederick.

Off I-70 at the E. Patrick St. exit
Frederick, MD 21701

(301) 600-4047
(800) 999-3613
Map It! | Driving Directions

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