--- FORT FREDERICK STATE PARK ---

The busy Baltimore Harbor has Ft. McHenry. The peaceful backwoods of western Maryland has Ft. Frederick.

This massive stone fort high above the Potomac makes an interesting and pleasant visit. It is located east of Hancock off of Md 56, one mile east of the I-70 exit, a short distance from the Western Maryland Rail Trail, and Mile 112 of the C&O Canal.

Prior to our nationhood, western Maryland was frontier. In 1756, to help defend the English settlers from the French and their Indian allies, Governor Horatio Sharpe built the fort. It is a noteworthy structure because most frontier forts of the period were constructed of wood.

On summer weekends, you can watch battle demonstrations, shooting competition, and black powder muzzle-loaders firing their weapon on the Park’s firing range. The park surrounding the fort offers fishing at Big Pool (natural pool used as a turning basin for canal boats), camping, biking and hiking on the Canal, and access to the Potomac River.

Contact: Ft. Frederick State Park, 301-842-2155, www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/fortfrederick.html