Appalachia and Garrett County, MD History: 150th Anniversary

The 200-year bicentennial celebration of the Casselman River Bridge occurred on the weekend of September 20-22, 2013.

Article by John MacGowan that explores the history of Garrett County (although it was not called that at the time) as one of the three main paths that provided access to the western development of the United States.

Historical markers have been a familiar sight on Maryland's roadways for more than half a century. Launched in 1933, the roadside historical marker program has proven an effective way to draw attention to the many events, people and places that have contributed to the richness of our state and nation. The marker program is administered by the Maryland Historical Trust in cooperation with the Maryland State Highway Administration.

Garrett County Historical Society's virtual map room, which features various historical maps of the area.

The National Road was the first highway built entirely with federal funds. The road was authorized by Congress in 1806 during the Jefferson Administration. Construction began in Cumberland, Maryland in 1811.

This Foundation encourages visitors to experience the recreational, cultural and educational opportunities associated with the towns and cities connected by the Nation’s first publicly funded intercontinental highway.

Maryland’s 18 designated byways encompass 2,487 miles of beautiful roads and offer a taste of Maryland’s scenic beauty, history and culture. Take the roads less traveled - including a byway featuring a nationally significant theme: the Historic National Road

Article by Dan Whetzel that highlights the history of Garrett County's involvement in the Civil War.

Map covers the War in the Mid-Atlantic and features the trail to Fort Alice - the barrier between rebel forces and the vital Baltimore & Ohio railroad bridge.

Dedicated in 2015, this memorial was created through the efforts of MD OHCO - Community Legacy Program, Town of Oakland and the Garrett County Historical Society.

On April 26, 1863, a detachment of Confederate Capt. John H. McNeill’s partisan rangers attacked the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad facilities at Altamont. They were part of a larger group that entered Oakland that Sunday as Confederate Gen. William E. “Grumble” Jones led an incursion into West Virginia and Maryland to hamper the rail movements of Federal troops and supplies.

On Sunday, April 26, 1863, a detachment of Confederate Capt. John H. McNeill's partisan rangers under Col. A. W. Harman attacked the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad facilities in Oakland. They were part of Confederate Gen. William E. “Grumble” Jones’ incursion into West Virginia and Maryland to hamper the rail movements of Federal troops and supplies.

Location of Fort Alice, the defense that the U.S. Army erected in Maryland and present-day West Virginia to guard the strategically vital railroad from Baltimore to the Ohio River.

Blog from Taylor-Made website about the history of Fort Alice and its fall to Confederate soldiers in 1863.

After stunning victories at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, Virginia, early in May 1863, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee carried the war through Maryland, across the Mason and Dixon Line and into Pennsylvania. His infantry marched north through the Shenandoah Valley and western Maryland as his cavalry, led by Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, harassed Union supply lines to the Later, the defeated Confederates began retreating through Maryland, retracing their steps to the Potomac River and crossing into Virginia on July 14.

In April 1863 the Confederate Army planned to disrupt the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at Oakland, Maryland, and at Grafton, cut telegraph communication, and weaken federal control in the area. They attacked the Union army on two fronts. General John Imboden, with over 3,300 men, were to attack Union strongholds in Philippi Bridge, Buckhannon and Beverly. At the same time, General W. E. "Grumble" Jones and his 2,100 soldiers were to destroy the railroad bridges crossing the Cheat River and the Tray Run in Rowlesburg and the rails between Grafton and Oakland, Maryland. The event became known as the Jones-Imboden Raid.

Description and location of the two Civil War trail signs in downtown Oakland - one at the B&O Railroad Museum and the other across the road from The Glades Town Park.

Performing arts have been a longtime tradition in Garrett County.

Article by Dan Whetzel that highlights the origins of the parade in order to showcase the scenic beauty of Deep Creek Lake, Swallow Falls, and surrounding areas as a means of promoting year-round business.

Official website of Garrett County's annual Autumn Glory Website.

The Garrett County Arts Council’s vision is for Garrett County to have a vibrant and sustainable arts community for artists, their audiences, and the community at large.

The Performing Arts Center provides social, educational, cultural and economic benefits to the community. Given these diverse expectations, a broad-based community partnership initiative was developed to guide the development of the state-of-the-art facility.

Garrett Lakes Arts Festival is the largest presenter of performing arts and arts education in Garrett County, Maryland, and serves the entire tri-state region (MD, PA, WV). The GLAF office is located on the campus of Garrett College in McHenry, MD.

The Deep Creek Experience website's history of the Autumn Glory Parade.

The mission of Our Town Theatre is to inspire and nurture our community by creating and producing essential experiences in the performing arts that enrich, educate, and entertain.

Maryland Office of Tourism's breakdown of the popular sights, events, and dining experiences to check out during Garrett County's annual Autumn Glory Festival.