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.

Page: 1 / 2
Viewing 1 - 10 of 12
Reconstructed house of Barbara Fritchie, heroine of John Greenleaf Whittier's poem from the Civil War. "Shoot if you must, this old gray head, but spare your country's flag, she said" while leaning out an upstairs window. Visit the exterior year round.

154 W. Patrick St.
Frederick, MD 21701

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

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

Features a monument to Union General Jesse Reno, killed at this location. A nearby marker commemorates Confederate General Samuel Garland who died in the gap the same day. Future President Rutherford B. Hayes was wounded near here that morning.

Reno Monument Rd.
Middletown, MD 21769


A unique War Correspondent's Memorial Arch, constructed by journalist and author George Alfred Townsend. On his former estate, the George Alfred Townsend Museum is open weekends. Apr-Oct 12-5pm. Hike through the park on the Appalachian Trail. Picnic pavilion. Periodic Civil War living histories and encampments. One building is handicapped accessible.

900 Arnoldstown Rd.
Burkittsville, MD 21718

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

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

FREE ADMISSION. Religious and historic site honoring 1st American-born canonized saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton. Basilica, Visitor Center, Museum, Stone House (1750), White House (1810), Mortuary Chapel (1846), Gift Shop. Mondays Basilica only is open 10am-4:30pm.

339 S. Seton Ave.
Emmitsburg, MD 21727

The North Carolina monument at Fox's Gap was placed in memory of the North Carolinians who fought at or near this location on September 14, 1862 during the Battle of South Mountain. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 23rd, 30th Infantry and Manly's and Reilly's Battery, 1st NC Artillery.

Fox's Gap
Reno Monument Road
Middletown, MD 21769

Fine Victorian railroad station, late 1800s. Used today by MARC passenger trains. Call or visit Website for information on traveling in and around Frederick County.

4000 Clay St.
Point of Rocks, MD 21777

(410) 539-5000
(866) 743-3682
Website | Map It! | Driving Directions

Formerly the Resurrection Reformed Church, this 1823 building in the historic rural village of Burkittsville was used as a hospital after the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. It now houses a collection of historical artifacts and records from the surrounding area. First Sundays of the month, April-September, 1-4 p.m. or by appointment.

3 E. Main St.
Burkittsville, MD 21718

(301) 834-6892
Map It! | Driving Directions

Page: 1 / 2
Viewing 1 - 10 of 12