Patriots & Progress in Washington County, MD

Hagerstown & Washington County is often referred to as the crossroads of the Civil War and the America’s transportation history. A rich blend of history, culture, and variety of agriculture offerings including wineries, farm markets and farm to table dining await visitors.Traverse the hallowed grounds of Antietam and South Mountain Battlefield and historic Hagerstown on a three-day journey of comradery and enjoyment.

DAY 1

Start your journey by visiting the Hagerstown Aviation Museum. The museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting more than one hundred years of aviation history of the Hagerstown, Maryland area. Since its inception 25 years ago, the museum has gone from concept to a collection of twenty-three historic aircraft, all manufactured at the location under Fairchild Aircraft Corporation.

Complete the day withdinner and a Flying Boxcar game at Meritus Park, America’s newest and most innovative baseball stadium.

DAY 2

Today the focus is on the Antietam Campaign of 1862. Begin the day at Gathland State Park to explore the South Mountain Battlefield. The park features the War Correspondents Memorial Arch, Civil War Trails, and two interpreted museums focusing on the personal accounts of Civil War reporters and the history of the battlefield.

Arrive in historic Boonsboro to tour the brand-new National Road Museum, dedicated to America’s first federally funded highway. Visitors will learn about the significance of the National Road during the Antietam and Gettysburg campaigns. Visit famous author, Nora Robert’s bookstore, Turn the Page, and Gifts Inn Boonsboro.

Take a break for lunch at Bonnie’s at the Red Byrd. A favorite among locals serving home cooked fare.

Spend the rest of your afternoon at Antietam National Battlefield. Completed restored, the National Park’s visitor center offers an introductory film,exhibitsand a gift shop. Next, begin the driving tour where your guide will highlight key points and share the stories of Antietam. Attendees will have several opportunities to stretch their legs and take photos along the route.

End your day at Antietam Creek Vineyards. Conveniently located at the edge of the Battlefield, this award-winning winery is surrounded with panoramic views encompassing the vantage points of the Battle.Here you can enjoy catered dinner and musical entertainment.

DAY 3

Experience the Civil War through the civilians’ perspective at the Miller House– Home of the Washington County Historical Society and Museum. The Miller House Civil War exhibits feature relics from nearby towns passed down from generation to generation. With a guide, learn more about the Ransom of Hagerstown in July of 1864.

Travel to Williamsport to visit the Cushwa Basin, home to the headquarters of the Chesapeake & Ohio National Historical Park. This section of the park features a lock house, turning basin, Bollman Truss bridge and the restored Conocheague Aqueduct.

Take in the views and as you enjoy lunch and ice cream at Deliteful Dairy. The family-owned operation processes their own milk from pasture fed cows right on the farm into delicious, bottled milks, cheeses, and butter all used to make sandwiches, soups, salads, and ice cream.

Mobilize the troops and head to Fort Frederick for a black powder musket demonstration. Built in 1758, Fort Frederick was constructed to protect Maryland’s frontier during the French and Indian War. The Fort was also utilized during the American Revolution as a prison for British soldiers and then again during the Civil War as an encampment for Union troops guarding a portion of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal that borders the fort.

Take home a memento to remember your tour by purchasing a fresh baked pie, a bottle of Maryland wine or a gift for someone that has everything at the Blue Goose Fruit Market & Bakery.