Page 30 - Garrett County 2021-2022 Visitors Guide

History & Heritage Experiences
Explore Our History
Garrett County’s abundant resources and natural beauty blend with its rich history and rural atmosphere to make it a truly special spot to live and visit.
The county was a vital destination for early settlers to mine coal and cut timber, and that pioneering spirit is still palpable today in our landscapes, museums and historic sites.
To get ready for your visit, head to garrettheritage.com, which offers virtual tours, an interactive map and suggested routes for self-guided tours.
Here are just a few places you should definitely add to your history and heritage itinerary:
Garrett County Barn Quilts, located throughout
Garrett County (garrettbarnquilts.org)
Explore our scenic byways and sprawling farmlands as you discover more than 40 barn quilts. Each barn quilt has a unique design. A map and description of each stop leads you on a fun adventure while learning more about our agriculture heritage.
Oakland B&O Museum, Oakland
(oaklandbandomuseum.org)
Garrett County’s history was indelibly shaped by the B&O — both as a center of commerce and as a vacation destination. Trains stopped coming to Oakland in 1971, but the 1884 station building has undergone a complete, historically accurate restoration. One of the most distinguished depots in the country, the station is on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, you’ll find original floors and an original bench in the ladies’ waiting room.
The Historic National Road
(visitmaryland.org/scenic-byways/historic- national-road)
Originally known as Baltimore National Pike, the road begins in Baltimore and passes through Garrett County on its 700-mile
route to Vincennes, Ill. The development of this thoroughfare played a key role in the early development of the nation, creating a gateway from the east to the Midwest. Along this road, you’ll find Spruce Forest Artisan Village (spruceforest.org), a collection of log homes that once served as lodging for
travelers in the early 1800s. The homes are now studios where you can watch artisans work and purchase their wares.
Casselman River Bridge
Spanning 80 feet, this bridge was the longest single-arch stone bridge in America when it
was built in 1813. The bridge is still open to pedestrians and is located in the smallest of Maryland’s state parks, complete with picnic sites and access for fly fishing on the Casselman.
28 The Deep Creek Experience
PHOTO BY SARAH DUCK