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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The Beneficial Society of Laboring Sons of Frederick was established in 1837 to provide a proper burial for free blacks, the city's tanners, carpenters, blacksmiths, Civil War Veterans and more. The cemetery was established in 1851.

Chapel Alley between Fifth & Sixth Sts.
Frederick, MD 21701

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

Tour the restored lock house at Lander and learn about life on the C&O Canal. From 1828-1924 the C&O Canal functioned as a transportation route for goods and passengers on the 184.5 mile route from Cumberland, MD to Washington, D.C. Today, millions of visitors come to bike, walk, picnic, fish and paddle along the canal while enjoying the scenic beauty of this historic path. Original structures, including locks, lock houses, and aqueducts, dot the path and provide opportunities to learn about the history of the canal. Go west from Frederick on 340. Exit 340 at Jefferson. Turn left onto Lander Road. Follow Lander Road 1.6 miles. At the 1.6 mile point Lander Road turns sharp right - follow it to the right for another 1.1 (2.7) miles to its stop sign intersection with 464. Cross 464 and continue on Lander Road for 1.5 (4.2) miles. At this point Lander Road makes a sharp turn to the left - do not follow it to the left. Instead, after stopping, looking and listening, cross the RR tracks and follow the gravel road to the left for .2 mile to the Lander Lock House at Lander.

51 mile post C&O Canal
Lander Rd.
Jefferson, MD 21755

Construction on magnificent stone bridge began in 1898. Opened to the public in 1900.

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Woodsboro, MD 21798

(301) 694-1646
Website | Map It!

The Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of the area. Monthly programs are offered as well as other special events. The museum contains period furniture and valley artifacts. Open first Sunday each month, May - Oct.

305 W. Main St.
Middletown, MD 21769

(301) 371-7582
Map It! | Driving Directions

516 feet long with seven arches measuring 54 feet, this is the largest structure on the canal. Finished in 1833, it has survived Confederate attacks and damaging hurricanes. See "Parks and Outdoors" for C&O Canal information.

Mouth of Monocacy Road off Rt. 28 near Frederick/Montgomery County line
Dickerson, MD 20842

(301) 600-2888
(800) 999-3613
Map It! | Driving Directions

A visitor center, self-guided auto tour and walking trails interpret the July 9, 1864 battle that saved Washington, D.C. from Jubal Early's advancing Confederates.

5201 Urbana Pike
Frederick, MD 21704

Established in 1854 and featuring the gravesites of Francis Scott Key (National Anthem author), Barbara Fritchie (Whittier's Poem), and Thomas Johnson (first Governor of Maryland). Visitation from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.

515 S. Market St.
Frederick, MD 21701

Begin your adventure in historic Frederick County with a tour of the Museum of Frederick County History. With changing exhibits, public programs, a bookstore, beautiful gardens, and a research library, the Society offers a unique historical experience for everyone. Library hours: Tues-Sat 10am-4pm.

24 E. Church St
Frederick, MD 21701

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and a 9/11 Memorial entitled "To Lift a Nation" are located on the campus of the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg. In likeness of the famous 9/11 photograph of three firefighters raising the American flag on Ground Zero, a 40-foot-tall bronze monument was created to honor the heroic firefighters who lost their lives during the September 11, 2001 tradegy.

16825 South Seton Ave., O Building
P.O. Drawer 498
Emmitsburg, MD 21727

Dedicated to telling the medical story of the Civil War - a story of care and healing, courage and devotion amidst death and destruction, while laying the foundation for modern medical care.

48 E. Patrick St.
Frederick, MD 21701

(301) 695-1864
(800) 564-1864
Website | Map It! | Driving Directions

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