Page 32 - Garrett County 2022/2023 Visitors Guide

History & Heritage Experiences Outdoor Experiences
Meet History Up Close
Garrett County’s natural beauty is on display
for both visitors and residents today — and it was a draw for America’s first European settlers too.
The early settlers came to mine coal and cut timber. Today, our landscapes, museums and historic sites make it possible for us to retrace their steps, as well as those of the Native Americans who inhabited the land before them.
To get ready for your visit, head to garrettheritage.com, which offers virtual tours, an interactive map and suggested routes for self-guided tours.
Here are just a few places you should definitely add to your history and heritage itinerary:
The Garrett County Historical Society (garrettcountymuseums.com) maintains three museums that celebrate different facets of the area’s heritage:
• The Garrett County Historical Museum in Oakland houses a treasure trove of exhibits related to the founding of Garrett County, the history of the land, and the way of life for Garrett County citizens from years past. One of the signature displays is a replica of a B&O train referred to as “Little Maryland,” which was exhibited at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893.
• The Garrett County Museum of Transportation in Oakland features carriages, sleighs, buggies, fire department artifacts and automobiles, along with a representation of A.D. Naylor’s Blacksmith Shop, one of the earliest and most prominent businesses in Oakland. The second floor, called the Deep Creek Gallery, hosts a variety of exhibits documenting the history of Deep Creek Lake and other nearby state parks. In the
near future, the museum plans to host educational programming at a community room in the gallery, while a media-ready room will host lectures, presentations, meetings and other events.
• The Grantsville Museum is a small community museum dedicated to preserving the photographic legacy of Leo Beachy, a poet and photographer who recorded local history from 1905-1927.
Museums are volunteer-run and hours of operation may vary. Check websites and or call ahead before visiting.
Oakland B&O Museum (facebook.com/oaklandbandomuseum)
Garrett County’s history was indelibly shaped by the B&O — both as
a center of commerce and as a vacation destination. Trains stopped coming to Oakland in 1971, but the 1884 station building has undergone a complete, historically accurate restoration. One of the most distinguished depots in the country, the station is on the National Register of Historic Places. Check the museum’s Facebook page for seasonal events.
The Historic National Road (visitmaryland.org/scenic-byways/historic-national-road)
Originally known as Baltimore National Pike, “The Road That Built the Nation” begins in Baltimore and passes through Garrett County on its 700-mile route to Vincennes, Ill. The construction of this thoroughfare played a key role in
the early development of the nation, creating a gateway from the east to the Midwest. A collection of log houses, some formerly traveler’s lodgings and dating back to the early to mid-1800s, adorn this venerable road.
Garrett County Barn Quilts and Working Farms
located throughout Garrett County
(garrettbarnquilts.org, garretfarms.org/visitfarms.html)
Explore our scenic byways and sprawling farmlands as you discover more than 40 barn quilts. Each barn quilt has a unique design. A map and description
of each stop leads you on a fun adventure while learning more about our agriculture heritage. Visit one of our many working farms and really get to know our agricultural history and future. From meeting alpacas and other furry friends to learning how many of our local products are made, our working farms really provide an in-person experience for you and your family.
Casselman River Bridge and
Spruce Forest Artisan Village (spruceforest.org)
Spanning 80 feet, Casselman River Bridge was the longest single-arch
stone bridge in America when it was built in 1813. The bridge is still open to pedestrians and is located in the smallest of Maryland’s state parks, complete with picnic sites and access for fly fishing on the Casselman. The nearby Spruce Forest Artisan Village is made up of log cabins moved here from
30 The Deep Creek Experience
PHOTO BY CREDE CALHOUN – VISION QUEST STUDIOS