Historic Frederick Tips
Read these 28 Historic Frederick Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Frederick tips and hundreds of other topics.
About John Hanson
John Hanson resided in Frederick when he was elected the first President of the United States in Congress Assembled in 1781.
The Department of Parks and Recreation
The Department of Parks and Recreation website offers info on historic tours, history programs, museum information, and events at historic Rose Hill Manor Park where the past awaits you. Visit this site at …
http://www.co.frederick.md.us/govt/parks/Index.htm
Who was Thomas Johnson?
Frederick resident Thomas Johnson became Maryland's first elected governor, in 1777. Then, as associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, in 1792, he penned the first written opinion in court reports.
Delaplaine Visual Arts Center
The Delaplaine Visual Arts Center in Frederick was originally a flourmill built in 1873. Today the mill has been renovated into a modern gallery with an historic touch. The center displays both national and regional exhibits. Art classes are available. The Delaplaine Visual Arts Center is located at 40 South Carroll Street in Downtown Frederick. The Center is open to visitors Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Sundays from 1 - 5 p.m. Admission is free. For further information call 301-698-0656.
Legendary Barbara Fritchie
Legendary Barbara Fritchie, immortalized in Whittier's verse for her September 1862 defiant Union Flag-waving in view of Confederate troops, has been Frederick's number one tourist attraction.
Read the poem by John Greenleaf Whittier in the "My Articles" link at http://frederick.lifetips.com
Seton Shrine Center
The National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton and the Seton Shrine Center are located at 333 South Seton Avenue in Emmitsburg, outside of Frederick. Learn about the life of Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born American saint, in this museum and shrine. For more information call 301-447-6606.
History Books
If you are looking for books on the history of Frederick or the Civil War Era, check out my TOP 10 Recommendations by clicking on the "Books" icon at http://frederick.lifetips.com.
Just the Facts!
Do you know any interesting facts about Historical Frederick?
Share your knowledge at this online Frederick community. Just send an email with your fact of 100 words or less and your name if you would like to be credited as the historic tip resource to FrederickGuru@lifetips.com
Thanks for sharing!
National Museum of Civil War Medicine
The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is the center for the study and interpretation of the medical history of the War Between the States. These studies include understanding the impact of Civil War Medicine on modern practice. The Museum collects, exhibits and preserves medical artifacts, manuscripts, books, documents and other materials related to the period from 1861-1865. By telling the dramatic story of the inventiveness of the physicians, the devotion of the stewards, nurses and matrons, and the courage of the patients on both sides of the struggle, the Museum is dedicated to increasing public understanding of a major era in medical history.
Visit their website at... http://www.civilwarmed.org/location.cfm
The Mount Olivet Cemetery
The Mount Olivet Cemetery is located at 515 South Market Street in Frederick. This historic cemetery was established in 1852. A tour of the cemetery leads visitors past the grave sites of Francis Scott Key, Governor Thomas Johnson, Barbara Fritchie, and more than 800 Civil War Soldiers. The cemetery is open from dawn to dusk daily. Admission is free. Their number is 301-662-1164
Catoctin Furnace
Catoctin Furnace is located on U.S. 15 and Route 806 in Thurmont, just north of Frederick. Built in 1774 by Governor Thomas Johnson's family, the furnace produced iron for Revolutionary and Civil War arms. This site is part of Cunningham Falls State Park. For more information call 301-271-7574.
The Hessian Barracks
Hessian Barracks
The Hessian Barracks located at 101 Clarke Place in Frederick was built in 1777 to house soldiers. This historic structure later housed the first Maryland School for the Deaf. The Barracks are only open for tours a few times during the year by appointment only, so it is best to call ahead for tour dates. The number to call is 301-228-2888.
Brunswick Railroad Museum
The Brunswick Railroad Museum is located at 40 West Potomac Street in Brunswick near Fredeick. Built in 1910, this museum was once home to the laborers who worked in Brunswick's thriving railroad community. The museum features an early 1900's lifestyle and a HO model train layout. The museum is open Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m., with hours on Thursdays and Fridays during warmer months. Call 301-834-7100 for further information.
Gambrill House/Monocacy National Battlefield
The Gambrill House located on Route 355 (4801 Urbana Pike), in Frederick was built in 1872 by James Gambrill. Gambrill was a successful Miller in the Frederick area in his day. The Second Empire-style house has been restored and is currently the headquarters of the Historic Preservation Training Center. The Gambrill House/Monocacy National Battlefield is open 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday (major holidays excluded.) Free admission is offered to the Monocacy National Battlefield. For more information call 301-662-3515.
Barbara Fritchie Home and Museum
Barbara Fritchie was a famous Frederick pioneer who was immortalized in a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier'. The poem retells the story of her alleged confrontation with Stonewall Jackson during the Civil War. The Barbara Fritchie Home and Museum has been restored and refurbished to look as it did when Barbara Fritchie resided in the home. The Barbara Fritchie Home and Museum is located at 154 W. Patrick Street in Frederick.
The home is open for visitors April through November, weekdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays) and Sundays from 1 - 4 p.m. For more information call 301-698-0630.
Francis Scott Key
Francis Scott Key, who authored "The Star Spangled Banner" during the War of 1812, and Roger Brooke Taney, U.S. Supreme Court chief justice, who handed down the Dred Scott Decision in 1857, lived in Frederick and were brothers-in-law.
Historical Society of Frederick County
The Historical Society of Frederick County is located at 24 East Church Street in Frederick. This Federal-style mansion was built in 1820. It was once the residence of the Loats Orphanage. This fascinating museum hosts a collection of Frederick County artifacts, special exhibits, a reference library, and a genealogical research facility. The Historical Society of Frederick County is open for tours Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m. Their number is 301-663-1188.
Gathland State Park
Gathland State Park is located outside Frederick at 900 Arnoldstown Road in Burkittsville.
This site offers a lesson on the life of war corespondent George Alfred "Gath" Townsend and the Battle of South Mountain, as well as a view of the War Corespondents Memorial Arch. The park is located next to the Appalachian Trail. For more information call 301-228-2888.
The Roger Brooke Taney House & Francis Scott Key Museum
The Roger Brooke Taney House & Francis Scott Key Museum is located at 121 South Bentz Street in Frederick. This Museum was once the residence of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Roger Brooke Taney and his wife, Anne Key. Mrs. Taney's brother was Francis Scott Key who wrote the words to our National Anthem. He was also a frequent guest at their Frederick home in the early 1800's. The museum is only open on weekends and is closed during the winter months. Call ahead for hours at 301-228-2888.
Taking a Tour of Frederick...
Have you ever wondered about the beginnings of Frederick City? Well take the tour of Frederick...this tour tells of how Frederick city started and how the churches helped make Frederick what it is today. There's also many known people from history books who have lived their lives in Frederick. So take the tour and learn more. It's very interesting and educational. The tour is about 1 to 1 1/2 hours long. It was fun and a great way to learn and also excercise by walking over the town of Frederick. The cost is only $4.75 and is located in the downtown area of Frederick on East Church street. If you need something different to do on a weekend why not take a tour of the great City of Frederick!!!
Schifferstadt
The oldest residence in present-day Frederick City is Schifferstadt. Erected by Germans this structure dates back to 1756. The Brunner family named it after their home village in the old country.
The Rose Hill Manor Children's Museum
The Rose Hill Manor Children's Museum is located at 1611 North Market Street in Frederick. Built in 1792, this stately Georgian-Style building, was formerly the retirement home of Maryland's first elected governor, Thomas Johnson. The museum is open for tours Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m. and is closed during the winter months. Call ahead for tour times , 301-694-1648.
Walkersville Southern Railroad
The Walkersville station is a "turn of the century" small-town railroad station built by the Pennsylvania Railroad in the late 1800's. Next to the station is a small freight house built during the same period. The excursion train runs south from Walkersville, through the Walkersville Community Park, and past Fountain Rock, site of a 100-year old lime kiln. The ride continues south through the woods, and then out into picturesque Maryland farm country past Barricks Farm, established in the early 1820's. On a clear day you can view the Catoctin Mountains west of Frederick. Before returning to the Walkerville Station you will cross the beautiful Monocacy River on the reconstructed railroad bridge. The view is impressive and should be the highlight of your trip.
Visit the Walkersville Southern Railroad website...
http://www.wsrr.org/
Middletown Valley Historical Society
The Middletown Valley Historical Society is located near Frederick at 305 West Main Street in Middletown. This stone dwelling was built by Peter Young in the 1840s with stones quarried from his farm north of Middletown. The building now serves as the headquarters for information about the contribution of people of Middletown Valley to history. Call them at 301-371-7582.
The Tourism Council of Frederick County
The Tourism Council of Frederick County is located at 19 E. Church Street in Frederick. This historic building houses the staff of the Tourism Council which can help to point you in the right direction while touring Frederick. You can reach the Council at 301-228-2888.
What's in a name?
Q: How did Frederick get its name?
A: Frederick Town was most likely named for Frederick Calvert, sixth and last Lord Baltimore.
Schifferstadt Architectural Museum
Built in 1756 the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum located at 1110 Rosemont Avenue in Frederick is one of the country's best examples of German architecture and is also Frederick City's oldest extant building. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 - 4 p.m.. The museum closes during the winter months. You can call ahead at 301-663-3885.
Saint John's Cemetery
The Saint John's Cemetery is located on East 3rd and East Streets in Frederick. This site was established in 1845. This historic cemetery is the final resting place of Roger Brooke Taney, Governor Enoch Lowe, soldiers from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and other prominent area residents. The cemetery is open from dawn to dusk daily. Call 301-228-2888 for further information.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Jennifer Mathes, Ph.D. |
