Maryland is rich with history and offers many places that deserve a visit, from Francis Scott Key’s battlefield where he composed The Star-Spangled Banner to one of the oldest railway bridges worldwide – here are our favorite historic spots in Maryland to explore!
Dive back in time at this open-air living history complex that recreates Maryland’s first capital – from streets, buildings and ships to reconstructed state houses and the decks of Maryland Dove ships! Immerse yourself in history at this open-air museum of Maryland history! You can tour reconstructed state houses as well as tours on Maryland Dove ships!
Fort McHenry
Fort McHenry is one of Maryland’s premier historical attractions, best-known as the site of Baltimore’s Battle during the War of 1812. After its successful defense during this conflict, Francis Scott Key penned “The Star-Spangled Banner,” later becoming our national anthem.
Visits can explore the fort and its surrounding park at their own pace or take part in guided tours. Additionally, the fort features orientation films, interpretive programs, and special events that guests can participate in.
Fort Baltimore can easily be reached from downtown Baltimore with ease via car, with free parking at its visitor center providing convenient access to this unique experience. From there, a short stroll will lead you straight into its heart for an engaging visit!
Antietam National Battlefield
Antietam National Battlefield offers visitors a journey into America’s past. This renowned Civil War battlefield in Western Maryland preserves the site of one of America’s bloodiest one-day battles on September 17, 1862 when 23,000 men died, were wounded or went missing over 12 hours of fierce combat on that fateful day.
Visitors to the grounds can explore them by foot, bike or car. Visitor centers offer exhibits and films. At Pry House Field Hospital Museum – General McClellan’s headquarters – one can learn about medical advances during the conflict.
Visit Bloody Lane, a sunken country lane filled with bodies. Additionally, take time to visit Newcomer Farmstead, Burnside Bridge and Dunker Church for some memorable sightseeing!
Point Lookout State Park
Captain John Smith and Maryland’s early colonists may have thought the scenic peninsula that lies where the Potomac River meets Chesapeake Bay was idyllic; but this beautiful spot has since seen much turbulent history, being involved in each major conflict that has defined America since then.
Fort Lincoln park provides visitors with the opportunity to explore its earthworks, as well as view ruins from a Confederate prison camp that held prisoners during the American Civil War. There’s also a nature center and museum on site; regular reenactments and events take place here throughout the year, in addition to camping options and cabins as well as swimming beaches and 710-foot fishing piers for use during your visit.
Frederick Douglass Museum
Frederick Douglass Museum and Park in Highland Beach preserves eight acres of the abolitionist’s estate. Visitors will discover historical artifacts as well as insights from scholar trustee David Blight’s book, Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom. Visual sections like Absolute Equality” and Our Composite Nation” demonstrate Douglass’ ideals of democratic society.
Reimagining museum experiences through film includes a 10-screen film that spans time and space to address persistent historical and contemporary challenges. Also present here is Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park, with its historic ship building facility, educational programs for youth at risk, and is part of Living Classrooms Foundation.
USS Constellation
The USS Constellation, located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, is both a museum ship and national historic landmark. Constructed between 1854-1856 using materials salvaged from its namesake frigate Constellation that served during the Spanish Revolution, Civil War and Irish famine as an anti-slavery vessel, hunting down slave ships and saving hundreds of slaves along the way.
Four decks give visitors an inside glimpse into life on board for 19th-century sailors, including museum gallery tours, gun drill participation and crew member questions. Also visit Historic Ships where other historic vessels such as Lightship Chesapeake and Submarine Torsk can be explored.
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
This site comprises a complex of Federal-style buildings, with the Woodlawn Museum housed in an 18th-century stone barn. Initially owned by Dr. William Palmer’s Quaker family, Woodlawn later served as a boarding school attended by Francis Scott Key.
Montgomery Parks is in need of part-time Seasonal Museum Educators who will conduct guided hikes, tours and programs for schools, homeschoolers, scouts and other community groups on the historic Underground Railroad Experience Trail and Manor House and outbuildings as well as providing customer service in our Visitor Center. Work also involves working at our Visitor Center providing our patrons with professional customer care service.
On the Underground Railroad Experience Trail, visitors can imagine what it must have been like for escaped slaves to travel through Montgomery County in search of freedom in the North.
