Page 36 - Garrett County 2023/2024 Visitors Guide

Garrett County 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.
Its name derives from John Garrett, president of the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad at the time the county was established. The B&O Railroad had played a major role in the area’s economic growth during the second half of the 19th century.
Today, you can retrace the B&O’s influence on Garrett County as both a center of commerce and a vacation destination
at the free Oakland B&O Museum (facebook.com/oaklandbandomuseum)! 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.
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 areas west of the Ohio and east of the Potomac’s tributaries in the winter.
The Garrett County Historical Museum (garrettcountymuseums.com) 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.
Your Mobile Guide to History
Download a free mobile app to discover heritage tours that will take you on a step-by-step journey around our county.
Explore historic sites, state parks, trails, fall foliage, barn quilts and so much more. Search “Garrett Heritage Area” in the Google Play Store or iTunes App Store to locate and download the app today.
Google Play Store
iTunes App Store
PHOTO BY CREDE CALHOUN – VISION QUEST STUDIOS PHOTO BY SARAH DUCK PHOTO BY CREDE CALHOUN – VISION QUEST STUDIOS
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HISTORY’S FOOTSTEPS
34 The Deep Creek Experience