Finding Reconstruction Era History in Frederick, MD
On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, a major step toward securing freedom for the millions of Black Americans held in bondage. However, this sweeping executive action did nothing to aid in the plight of enslaved people held in Maryland, a state that remained loyal to the United States. Those enslaved […]
Corn on the Cob in the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area: Past to Present Day Experiences
For Marylanders, two foods are synonymous with summertime—crabs and corn on the cob. While crabbing can only be done farther east and south of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, corn is abundant during the summer months among the rural farmlands of Carroll, Frederick and Washington Counties. In fact, sweet corn is a […]
Benton MacKaye Dreams of an Appalachian Trail 100 Years Ago
This summer marks 100 years since 42-year-old regional planner Benton MacKaye envisioned a multi-state hiking trail that would extend from Mount Mitchell, NC to Mount Washington, NH. A few short months later that vision was put to paper in MacKaye’s groundbreaking article, “An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning,” which was printed in the […]
Explore the Great Outdoors in the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area
National Great Outdoors Month has been celebrated during June since 1998. It’s a reminder to explore and care for our nation’s abundant wildlife refuges, parks and natural beauty. It doesn’t matter if you enjoy hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, birdwatching, nature photography, camping or another form of outdoor recreation, there’s something for everyone! The Heart of […]
Mary Mish: Historic Preservation Pioneer in Washington County
Mary Mish is a name you don’t frequently hear when learning the history of Washington County, but upon closer examination of historic sites in the county and the preservation of them, her name appears over and over again. Mish was a champion for historic preservation and getting others to rally around her efforts. She had […]
Journeys North to the Mason-Dixon Line: Connecting the Past and the Present
The 2,190-mile-long Appalachian Trail (AT) passes through 14 states, including Maryland. The trail runs along the Appalachian Mountains from the southern terminus at Springer Mountain in Georgia to the northern terminus at Maine’s Mount Katahdin. While the 41 miles of the AT that pass through Maryland along the backbone of South Mountain have never been […]
From Antietam to Ohio: Using the Census to Find Georgianna Rollins
This year you probably received a mailed census form to fill out. The census helps calculate the political weight of the districts we live in and determines the resources growing communities receive. Not only that, the census is also important as a resource that helps historians and genealogists trace the often invisible stories of common […]
Enjoy a Great American Road Trip in the Heart of the Civil War
Above image of Main Street Middletown by Bruce Morgan courtsey of Visit Frederick. There’s nothing like a great American road trip to familiarize yourself with the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area. What could be better than hopping in your vehicle, exploring small towns at your own pace and discovering countless hidden gems along […]
Memorial Day Parade Traditions in the Heart of the Civil War
Monocacy National Battlefield’s Last Full Measure of Devotion flag installation will be visible over Memorial Day weekend 2020, May 23, 24, and 25. The battlefield’s annual tradition places 2,200 historic flags, one for each battle casualty, near the Visitor Center. The flags honor those who’ve sacrificed for our nation; visitors are encouraged to continue to […]
Native Spring Ephemerals in the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area
Editor’s Note: We hope this springtime flora blog post brings some color into your home and offers inspiration for your walks this April as we all adjust to the restrictions imposed by COVID-19! Follow guidelines for social distancing during any time spent outdoors. See Maryland State Department of Natural Resources Guidelines and the National Park […]
