Maryland

The Battle of Antietam, or Sharpsburg, on September 17, 1862, was the tragic culmination of Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the North. That one fateful day more than 23,110 men were killed, wounded, or listed as missing. Approximately 4,000 were killed, and in the days that followed, many more died of wounds or disease. The peaceful village of Sharpsburg turned into a huge hospital and burial ground extending for miles in all directions.

Antietam National Cemetery is one of the 130 cemeteries of the National Cemetery System, a system that began during the Civil War.

In Washington County, four miles east of Boonsboro and 1 1/2 miles north of Alternate Route 40 on Monument Road, Washington Monument State Park is named for the first monument in the country erected to the "father of our country," George Washington. A rugged stone tower was dedicated to the first president by the citizens of Boonsboro in 1827. Washington traveled through Western Maryland in his early years as a surveyor. The Appalachian Trail winds through this park and passes the base of the monument. There are youthgroup campsites available by reservation.

Park Creek offers peaceful, shady camp sites under an old growth canopy of Douglas Fir, Western lock, Western Red Cedar, and Myrtlewood. Relax and fish in nearby Park Creek and Middle Creek.

Located within Garrett State Forest in Garrett County, Herrington Manor State Park's development began in the 1930's with the aid of the Civilian Conservation Corps. A 53-acre lake was formed by damming Herrington Creek, and ten cabins were erected on a wooded knoll above the lake. Herrington Manor was designed as a state park in 1964, and encompasses 365 acres. The park offers swimming, boating in rowboats, canoes, paddle boats and aquacycles, picnicking, hiking, tennis, volleyball and 20 fully furnished log cabins for rental use year round.

Gathland State Park was once the mountain home of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War journalist. It is the site of a unique collection of buildings and structures that he designed and constructed, some of which have been restored. A large, stone monument dedicated to war correspondents is an outstanding attraction at this day use park. (140 acres) The Appalachian Trail traverses the park and passes the monument base. Maryland has 37.5 miles of the interstate hiking trail. The park includes all of Crampton's Gap, which was the southern most gap fought over during the battle of South Mountain.

Greenbrier is a multi-use park providing many kinds of recreation. The Appalachian Trail passes near the park. The 42-acre man-made lake and beach draw many visitors who enjoy swimming, canoeing, hiking, picnicking, interpretive programs and nature study. Located in the Appalachian Mountains, this state park offers many recreational opportunities. The man-made freshwater lake offers swimming, sunbathing, boating and fishing opportunities. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage. (Link on the right side)

Gambrill State Park has its beginnings when public-spirited conservationists of Frederick County purchased this tract of land on Catoctin Mountain and donated it to the City of Frederick to be used for a municipal mountain park. On September 7, 1934, the City presented the acreage to the State for use as a state park, which was later named to honor the late James H. Gambrill, Jr., a Frederick resident and leading advocate of the conservation of natural resources. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage. (Link on the right side)

With 300 acres in Garrett County, Big Run State Park offers rustic camping opportunities with 30 unimproved campsites and a youth group camping area. Situated at the mouth of the Savage River Reservoir, the park is 16 miles from exit 24 of Interstate 68. The park is actually surrounded by the acreage of Savage River State Forest and so visitors to the area have an even wider array of recreational opportunities with the facilities at all of these public land sites in Western Maryland.

George Martinak deeded this land of forests, fields and marsh to the state in 1961 for preservation as a recreational facility and a natural area for the enjoyment of all. Bordered by the Choptank River and Watts Creek, this area supports a wide variety of plant and animal life. Anglers may enjoy the opportunity to catch bass, perch, sunfish and catfish. The park offers camping, camper cabins and one full-serivce cabin. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage. (Link on the right side)

The site of Maryland's frontier defense during the French and Indian War (1754-1763), the Fort's stone wall and two barracks have been restored to their 1758 appearance. Historic displays are in the Fort, barracks and Visitor Center. The park annually holds military reenactments and other special events. Park lands adjoin the Potomac River and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal passes through park acreage. Tours are available by request. Daily Living History programming is available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage.