Maryland boasts an abundance of historic attractions, from living-history colonial towns to the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner, providing visitors with plenty of cultural attractions to see and visit. Be sure to stop by Harriet Tubman’s home where she risked her life to lead enslaved people to freedom.
Antietam National Battlefield
Antietam was one of the bloodiest single days in American Civil War history – over 23 thousand men died here – and one of the best preserved battlefields. You can explore this historic site either by car or hike with a ranger on any one of three trails: Dunker Church, Snavely Ford or Pry House Field Hospital Trails. There’s even an exciting scavenger hunt available to children while its Visitor Center hosts various exhibits and museums.
Pay the modest entrance fee ($20 for vehicles or $10 per individual) to experience this historical site that marked Robert E Lee’s initial invasion into the North and led directly to Abraham Lincoln issuing his preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
African American Civil War Museum
In nearby national district, one must visit the museum honoring African Americans who fought during the Civil War. Although not as famous as some of Washington, DC’s more well-known museums, the African American Civil War Museum provides visitors with a different perspective of America’s bloodiest war. Together with its counterpart across the street – African American Civil War Memorial – it tells the tale of 209,145 United States Colored Troops’ involvement and contribution in ending slavery and establishing a new nation during American Civil War.
Begin your experience in the foyer with historical photographs adorned with vibrant hues adorning its walls, including large, colorful prints of Frederick Douglass or Harriet Tubman and Jefferson Davis who look back out from behind impenetrable gazes.
Fort McHenry
Star-shaped fort was built during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814 to fend off British naval bombardment and inspired Francis Scott Key’s “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Today it stands as a national park where visitors can view the flag that inspired our national anthem as well as learn more about its place in history.
Discover Fort Henry’s historic buildings and grounds while attending educational and overnight programs. Don’t miss the annual Star-Spangled Banner Ceremony where spectators help unroll, raise and lower a giant 42-foot American flag! Or for something extra exciting take a helicopter flight over Fort Henry – one way of seeing its historic architecture first-hand from above!
Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave
Known as a great American horror story writers, Edgar Allan Poe’s unexpected death in 1849 has long fascinated both fans and scholars alike. His grave at Westminster Burying Ground on the grounds of Westminster Hall church often attracts visitors who leave flowers, pennies and alcohol to honor its memory.
Poe was initially interred unmarked near the back of a cemetery; as his fame increased, however, efforts began to build him a more prominent memorial. George Frederick designed and Hugh Sisson carved this obelisk that was installed in 1874. Unfortunately its only shortcomings lie within its inscription (incorrectly listing his birthday as January 20) and its placement.
Annapolis Historic District
Annapolis is nestled along the scenic Chesapeake Bay and home to an array of beautifully preserved colonial-era buildings that date back hundreds of years, featuring four signatories to the Declaration of Independence who lived here. Don’t miss a tour of Hammond-Harwood House and William Paca House and Gardens for an insight into life during Annapolis’ 18th-century period!
Maryland Historical Trust has created an online map that highlights these landmarks; you can also take a guided or self-guided walking tour through the city.
Maryland State House
The Maryland State House is an impressive and striking neoclassical building featuring an elegant dome. Established in 1783 as the nation’s capitol from 1783-1784, its longevity in legislative use remains undimmed.
Visitors to the building may take either a self-guided or guided tour daily, with visits including viewing of the Old Senate Chamber and Historical and Flag Room, where Maryland Flag is on display.
Current Delegates and Senators gather in the Old House of Delegates Chamber, while Governor and Lieutenant Governor offices can also be found here. Its impressive octagonal marble central hall boasts an imposing statue of George Washington.
Boonsboro Railroad Museum
The Boonsboro Railroad Museum was home for area trolleys from 1902-1938 and today celebrates this important part of Washington County history. Additionally, this venue offers other attractions like Bowman House (open for hearth cooking demos every fourth Sunday from April-October), Crystal Grottoes Caverns just south of Boonsboro and more!
As they travel west along the National Road, visitors may visit Catonsville – established as a summer resort destination in 1810 – or Oella with its Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum dedicated to an African American mathematician who calculated Washington DC’s boundaries.
