|
Contact me
Click here to subscribe to my eNewsletter
Dear 6th District Neighbors:
Maryland's Sixth District is, as I often say, a miniature representation of America. Every chapter of our nation's story lives here, from the C&O Canal to the historic towns of Western Maryland and the peaks of our mountain communities. As we approach America's 250th birthday, we have the chance to celebrate the people who called our region home and shaped our national character. This milestone isn't just an opportunity to look back - it's an invitation to carry that history forward.
| America 250 Challenge – Realizing Maryland’s Unique History and Contributions |
My office has compiled a list of must-see spots across the Sixth’s five counties: Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett. With summer travel being ever more expensive, these nearby gems can offer accessible opportunities for learning and family fun.
It is my sincere hope that this compilation is useful for your summer plans during our 250th year – whether it be visiting the Ag Reserve, touring a museum, walking a civil war battlefield or hiking a scenic trail. Each of the featured stops offers a unique opportunity to learn about our rich history, support our local communities and small businesses and help lift up our shared history. My office and I are also visiting these sites and look forward to sharing them with you.
Thank you for allowing me to represent this extraordinary district. I wish you and your family a wonderful July 4th and know that our office is here for you this month and throughout the year.
God bless and happy exploring!
| Warmest regards, |
 |
| April McClain Delaney |
| Member of Congress |
|
Where America Began
Fort Frederick State Park | Washington County
Our journey begins in 1756 at Fort Frederick, one of the largest fortifications built by British colonists in North America. The Fort was built by Governor of Maryland Horatio Sharpe to provide sanctuary for Marylanders during the French and Indian War. Although it never saw combat during the French and Indian War, Fort Frederick served as a crucial staging location for British operations further West into Maryland’s frontier as colonial America expanded. It was also used as a prison camp for British soldiers during the Revolutionary War and it was where two companies of Union infantry were stationed during the Civil War. To learn more, visit the park’s website!
Hager House Museum | Washington County
Built around 1740 by German immigrant Jonathan Hager, the Hager House – previously known as Hager’s Fancy – is the oldest surviving building in Hagerstown. Constructed atop two natural freshwater springs, the sturdy German Colonial stone home provided a reliable source of water while serving as a trading post, family home, and refuge for early settlers on Maryland's frontier. Today, visitors can tour the restored house and museum to explore how families lived in the 18th century, and learn how Hager's Fancy transformed into the thriving city of Hagerstown. The Hager House offers a fascinating glimpse into the beginnings of Western Maryland. To learn more, visit the Hager House website.
Building a Nation
C&O Canal Western Terminus | Allegany County
In the city of Cumberland we find mile marker 184.5, the western terminus of the C&O Canal. Construction of the canal began in 1828 in an effort to link to the Ohio River. Despite not reaching its proposed terminus, the C&O canal remained vital for trade and industry in Western Maryland for decades. Coal and iron, mined in the Allegheny Mountains, were shipped down the canal to Washington and other ports. Trade was not limited to just coal and iron, timber and agricultural goods were tremendously important products and their trade continues to this day. This trade has allowed Cumberland to establish itself as a city of endurance. Now, the C&O Canal is maintained as a National Historical Park with a trail that follows the old towpath. Visit the Cumberland Terminus Visitor Center.
Lonaconing Iron Furnace | Allegany County
The Georges Creek Coal and Iron Company built the Lonaconing Iron Furnace in 1837. This furnace was the first in the United States to successfully use coal and coke to produce pig iron, an intermediary good in the production of steel. This was revolutionary. When the Georges Creek Coal and Iron company realized that the coal in Western Maryland’s mountains was usable in the process of making pig iron, it created a boom in coal production for the area. Some of the richest beds of soft, bituminous coal in the country exist in Mountain Maryland. At its height of production this monumental furnace produced nearly 75 tons of pig iron a week. Now, it exists as part of Lonaconing Iron Furnace and Park and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Visit the Park.
Oakland B&O Railroad Museum | Garrett County
The B&O Railroad was the oldest United States railroad and was foundational to American Railroading as a whole. As the nation approached Civil War–at a time when Marylanders were undecided about which side to support– John Work Garrett, the president of B&O Railroads, made a promise to President Lincoln that the railroad would only be used for Union purposes even though miles of rail cut through Confederate territory. This rail network was crucial for Union victory. Following the war, Mr. Garrett was tremendously influential in the development of Western Maryland, so much so that he is actually the namesake for Garrett County. Visit the Museum.
A Nation Tested
National Museum of Civil War Medicine | Frederick County
When one thinks of Civil War era medicine it is hard to not shudder. Our modern standards of germ theory, anesthesia, antibiotics, and antivirals, make medicine practiced in 1860 look downright barbaric. That is why the National Museum of Civil War Medicine is such a valuable resource, to tell the story of those who practice medicine with little supplies in the face of incredible odds. Visit the Museum.
Antietam National Battlefield | Washington County
September 17, 1862 was the bloodiest single day in American history. Antietam, located near Sharpsburg in Washington County, was part of the Confederacy’s Maryland Campaign. This campaign was meant to capture the state of Maryland and thus surround Washington, D.C.. While many Confederates thought the people of Maryland would accept them with open arms they soon realized that many people did not take kindly to soldiers walking through their streets. The Battle of Antietam saw the Confederates assuming a defensive position behind Antietam creek as they faced Union assaults to their left flank and center. Despite suffering significantly more casualties than the Confederacy – the Union won the battle. Repelling the Confederate invasion gave President Lincoln enough confidence to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Washington County is home to a turning point in American history. Visit the Battlefield.
Monocacy National Battlefield | Frederick County
Monocacy Battlefield is one of my favorite historical sites in our district. Though the battle was a loss for the Union troops against advancing Confederate forces at Monocacy, their sacrifices prevented the Confederate assault on Washington, D.C. This was the Confederacy’s northernmost victory, and as they fought for this victory Union soldiers were able to arrive as reinforcements for Washington, D.C. We must be thankful for this sacrifice, for without it I wonder if we would even be celebrating America’s Quincentennial. Visit the Battlefield.
History Meets Adventure
Deep Creek Lake | Garrett County
A bit of interesting trivia: Maryland is home to zero naturally occurring lakes. For how aquatic the state is it seems odd that all of our lakes are manmade. In Oakland there is Deep Creek Lake, a pristine example of the beauty Maryland contains. Deep Creek Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Maryland and was created in 1925 by the Youghiogheny Hydro-Electric Corporation to generate electrical power. While initially made for energy production, it is no wonder why the lake quickly became a hotspot for vacationing and summer camps. Currently, the lake is managed by the state but is still home to all the recreation and history it always has. Visit the Lake.
Seneca Creek State Park | Montgomery County
In 1999, some people went out into Seneca Creek State Park to make a movie and subsequently made history. The Blair Witch Project legitimized found footage horror as a genre and the movie was predominantly filmed in Montgomery County! This movie is one of the most successful independent films of all time, earning $248.6 million from an initial budget of $60,000. Luckily, for anyone visiting Seneca Creek State Park they are more likely to see beautiful lakes and flora instead of some sort of witch monster. Visit the Park.
Writing the Next Chapter
The I-270 Technology Corridor | Montgomery County
America’s story is still being written, and one its newest chapters is unfolding right here in Marlyand’s Sixth District.
The I-270 Technology Corridor is the throne of innovation for the Sixth District. This stretch of economic development is the premier source for biotech solutions, advanced engineering, and emergent technology and sciences. This is what the Sixth District is capable of, this work is a source of pride not only for myself but for the nation as a whole. Without the hard work of these Sixth District workers America would have been left behind. This we will not allow, we will continue to move forward, we will continue to innovate, and we will continue to survive. Learn more about the Corridor.
Explore Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve | Poolesville
Covering more than 93,000 acres, the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve is one of the nation's most successful farmland preservation efforts, protecting working farms, open space, and rural communities for more than four decades. Visitors can experience the region's agricultural heritage by exploring local wineries, breweries, orchards, farm markets, and scenic country roads while supporting Maryland farmers and small businesses.
For those looking to sample local flavors, stop by downtown Poolesville to enjoy handcrafted whiskey made from locally grown grains. Visitors to the area can enjoy locally produced wines, farm-to-table dining, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Whether you're looking for a relaxing afternoon or a taste of Maryland agriculture, the Agricultural Reserve offers a unique destination just a short drive from home. |