Cumberland in Allegany County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Alteration of the Site
— Fort Cumberland Trail —
There are several known versions of Fort Cumberland and each has some documentation. No exact reference points from which to plot the lines of any of these fort plans have been found in available resource materials. We have chosen from the versions of the fort that one generally accepted locally. This plan is found on the trail markers (see diagram above) and is documented on the original manuscripts found in the George III Collection at the British Museum in London, England. The lines of the fort have been marked from the scant information available. This is intended to give you a physical conception of the size and shape of the fort as we presently know it. The position of the exact lines of the fort may be different. Changes in the terrain and conflicting information make it almost impossible to pinpoint the exact fort lines.
The angles and some straight lines of the fort are marked by white rock (see photo) and may be seen going up the street behind you. To your front, beyond the wall, was the easternmost point of Fort Cumberland. The point (+) and your location (X) are marked above on the diagram of the fort.
?Fort Cumberland was built in the winter of 1754-1755 by Colonel James Innes and his "command" of New Yorkers, North and South Carolinians, and Marylanders. A small fort (120 feet per side) was built first down the hill. Governor Sharp of Maryland then ordered a larger one built higher on the hill. Finally Lt. Governor Dinwiddie of Virginia gave orders which probably caused the second fort to be enlarged. The name of Fort Mount Pleasant was later changed to Fort Cumberland.
The Fort Cumberland Trail is partially located in the Washington Street Historic District. As you walk the remainder of the trail, please take note of the variety of 19th Century architectural styles in the churches, the county courthouse, the library (first academy), and other buildings. Historical plaques are located on the entrance ways of the courthouse and the library. Tourist information and brochures are available from the Allegany County Division of Tourism.
Fort Cumberland Trail
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Military. In addition, it is included in the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1850.
Location. 39° 39.048′ N, 78° 45.9′ W. Marker is in Cumberland, Maryland, in Allegany County. Marker is on Washington St., on the left when traveling west. Marker is on stone wall. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cumberland MD 21502, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of Fort Cumberland (within shouting distance of this marker); This Tablet Marks the Site of Old Fort Cumberland (within shouting distance of this marker); Algonquian Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Ohio Co. and Fort Cumberland (within shouting distance of this marker); Baltimore Street Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Perimeter of the Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); Trenches and Tunnels / Army Discipline (within shouting distance of this marker); Abandonment of Ft. Cumberland (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cumberland.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 8, 2009, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,258 times since then and 29 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on May 8, 2009, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.