LEARN
Frederick, Maryland, is the perfect base camp for a hub-and-spoke tour of the area, just 30 minutes from Gettysburg, 45 minutes from Baltimore, and one hour from Washington, D.C. Frederick County is rich in Civil War history and is home to Frederick, the second-largest city in Maryland.
Thurmont is the site of the Catoctin Iron Furnace. Opened in 1776, the furnace reportedly made cannonballs for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Many of the enslaved people at the furnace in the 18th century were skilled African metal workers. The newly opened Museum of the Ironworker and interpretative trails tell their stories. Catoctin Furnace is designated as an official site on the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The site offers guided tours for students with an archaeologist.
Tour the National Museum of Civil War Medicine to hear about the story of care and treatment of the wounded during the Civil War. Seven thousand square feet of lifelike exhibits tell the story of courage and devotion amidst the death and destruction of war. Hear the stories of Black American caregivers, nurses, and doctors who played crucial roles during the war. Group spaces are available to have boxed luncheon before or after the tour.
On July 9, 1864, Union General Lew Wallace’s greatly outnumbered troops, many of whom were untried in battle, were defeated by Confederate forces led by General Jubal Early in the Battle of Monocacy. Today, the Visitor Center at Monocacy National Battlefield tells the story about the “battle that saved Washington.” The battlefield is also the site of L’Hermitage, the largest known enslaved habitation site in the mid-Atlantic region.
EXPLORE
The Catoctin Wildlife Preserve is home to over 300 species including amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. From bears to boas, leopards to lemurs, meerkats to monkeys, and parrots to pythons, you’ll meet over 450 exotic animals on your zoo adventure. Feel the silky soft fur of the chinchilla or see the muscles in a jaguar’s legs as he prowls within his naturalistic habitat—just a few of the experiences that will bring you closer to the animal world.
PLAY
Fourth Dimension Fun Center is a 6,000-square-foot arcade with classic and new games, air hockey, redemption machines, Skee-Ball, and 16 lanes of boutique, stylish bowling—great for groups. They offer group packages, including food and drink.
Whether you are looking to impart a history lesson, an experience in the outdoors, or the importance of culture, you’ll find opportunities in Frederick County. Explore the region’s deep connections to Civil War history, hike winding trails in national parks, and experience a show in a historic theater.
Visit Frederick
301-633-3757
visitfrederick.org
Lead image:
Monocacy National Battlefield
Photo courtesy of Visit Frederick
