Page 33 - Garrett County 2022/2023 Visitors Guide

around the county that now serve as artisan studios. Visit these studios and talk to the artisans while you watch them create works of art right in front of you. Purchase their one-of-a- kind masterpieces on site to take home.
GARRETT COUNTY:
A HISTORY
Garrett is Maryland’s second-largest county, and its youngest. Until 1872, it was part of Allegany County, which is now Garrett’s neighbor to the east.
Garrett County’s name derives from John Garrett, president of the B&O Railroad at the time the county was established. The Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad had played a major
role in the area’s economic growth during the second half of the 19th century.
Of course, the area’s history goes back much further than that. Prior to European settlement, Garrett County had been a source of natural bounty for several Native American tribes more than 4,000 years ago. Those groups hunted and fished in the area during the summer months, returning home to places west of the Ohio and east of the Potomac’s tributaries in the winter.
The French and Indian War marked a major milestone for Garrett County, as an Indian
trail in the area was widened in 1755 to accommodate General Braddock’s army. Between 1811 and 1819, the old National Road was built over that same trail. Some of those who passed along this road on their way to Pennsylvania liked the area and stayed, eventually forming the town of Grantsville. Today’s U.S. 40 follows much the same route as the old National Road.
Prior to the Revolutionary War, Garrett County had been only sparsely settled. The first settlement, “Friend’s Fortune,” was established in 1765 by John Friend Sr. and his brothers. Today, it is known as Friendsville.
In the 1850s, construction of the B&O brought railroad workers, who cut timber and mined coal. The establishment of Oakland, now Garrett’s county seat, dates to this time. The railroad drew more settlers, as well as the first vacationers, to Garrett County.
During the Civil War, the B&O was a vital Union supply line and was therefore subject to frequent Confederate raids.
Once the war ended, Garrett County continued as a holiday destination, with towns such as Deer Park and Mountain Lake Park prospering as a result. John Garrett, the county’s namesake, had built several summer resorts in the area, and in 1886, President Grover Cleveland and his wife spent their honeymoon at one of them.
Today, tourism remains a major industry in Garrett County, along with logging and farming.
CELEBRATE WITH US: 150 Years of Garrett County
On December 4, 1872, Garrett County split from neighboring Allegany County, making it the last of Maryland’s counties to be formed. To mark the occasion, the county government is gearing up for a year of celebration in 2022.
The festivities will culminate with a large, free event on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. While some details of the event remain undetermined at the time of this writing, activities will likely include a walking history tour, a car or tractor show, performances by local bands, and lots of local food and drink.
But ultimately, the anniversary doesn’t boil down to a single occasion — it’s about connecting residents and visitors more closely to the community, said Sarah Myers, communications coordinator for Garrett County Government. “Many times, we hear, ‘I don’t go to Kitzmiller. I don’t have a reason to go.’ So we came up with the idea that we’d have a traveling roadshow as part of the community events that are happening in 2022. We want to have a presence at everything that’s going on and encourage people to attend,” she said.
As a further incentive for residents and visitors to explore all corners of the county, the government will publish a set of eight coins commemorating the anniversary — one for each of Garrett County’s municipalities. The coins will feature the 150th anniversary logo on one side and a special design chosen by each municipality on the other. They will be offered free of charge at community events held in each municipality, along with a coin holder book, while supplies last. In the fall, complete collections of the coins will likely be available for purchase.
The county’s 150th anniversary logo is available for public use, meaning any local businesses that would like to host sales or events related to the anniversary are free to do so.
Anyone interested in following the anniversary celebrations can engage with the hashtag #garrett150 on social media. For more information, go to garrett150.com or email Sarah Myers at smyers@garrettcounty.org.
GET YOUR COMMEMORATIVE COINS AT THESE EVENTS:
APRIL 3-9: National Library Week
MAY 19-21: Grantsville National Road Festival
JUNE 4: Celtic Festival
JUNE 24-25: Grantsville Days
JULY 4: Accident's Fourth of July Homecoming
JULY 10: Victorian Chautauqua
JULY 23: Kitzmiller Homecoming
JULY 30-AUGUST 6: Garrett County Agricultural Fair AUGUST 19-20: Friendsville Days
SEPTEMBER (TBD): Loch Lynn Heights Open House SEPTEMBER 17: Garrett County 150th Anniversary
Community Celebration Event
OCTOBER 12-16: 55th Annual Autumn Glory Festival NOVEMBER 25-26: Festival of Trees
DECEMBER 4: Commissioner's Public Meeting
Deer Park Open House (TBD)
Event dates are subject to change and new events may be added. Go to 150.garrettcounty.org/events for more information.
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