Fort Frederick State Park became Maryland’s first state park in 1922. It is located toward western Maryland in the city of Big Pool, and is very close to the Western Maryland Rail Trail and the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
Fort Frederick was built in order to protect the settlers in the area during the French and Indian War (1756-1757). The fort was also used during the American Revolution to house prisoners of war (1777-1783). During the Civil War, Fort Frederick protected the C&O Canal and B&O Railroad.
Fort Frederick’s walls are made from sandstone and are built in a large square with diamond corners. Originally there were three barracks inside of the fort, but only two of the barracks were reconstructed. One of the barracks is now a museum that shows the everyday life of the soldiers that were stationed here. The visitor center has exhibits about the park, including the restorations that were done by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.
Be sure to check out the 18th Century Market Fair or one of the reenactments hosted at Fort Frederick. For more information check out the Fort Frederick State Park website or the Friends of Fort Frederick State Park website.
