White Oak in Silver Spring in Montgomery County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Fall Line and the Gorge
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 14, 2018
Northwest Branch is a tributary of the Anacostia River. The rugged beauty of this area contributed significantly to the state of Maryland identifying the Anacostia as a "Scenic and Wild River" in 1984 under the Maryland Scenic and Wild Rivers Act.
On larger streams and rivers, the Fall Line generally marks the limit of travel by ships. Many large cities like Washington, D.C. and Baltimore were established just below this geographical barrier where ports could be established.
This spectacular, scenic, steep-sided stream valley was a favorite of President Theodore Roosevelt. President Roosevelt wrote of the area to his son:
Excepting Great Falls it is the most beautiful place around here. Mother scrambled among the cliffs in her riding habit, very pretty and most interesting. The roads were good and some of the scenery really beautiful.
We were gone four hours, half an hour being occupied with the scrambling in the gorge."
(The White House, June 21, 1904)
"Hearing can be a source of ...exquisite pleasure ... Take time to listen and talk about the voices of the earth and what they mean—the majestic voice of thunder, the winds, the sound of surf or flowing streams." — Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder (posthumously 1965)
Erected by Montgomery Parks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Environment • Government & Politics • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 21, 1904.
Location. 39° 1.826′ N, 77° 0.252′ W. Marker is in Silver Spring, Maryland, in Montgomery County. It is in White Oak. Marker can be reached from Columbia Pike (U.S. 29) south of Hillwood Drive, on the right when traveling west. On the grounds of Burnt Mills East Park. Touch for map. Marker
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 14, 2018
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Rachel Carson Greenway (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Burnt Mills (about 500 feet away); Rachel Carson (about 600 feet away); Rice The Organizer (approx. 0.9 miles away); Rice The Educator (approx. 0.9 miles away); Luther Rice (approx. one mile away); Rice The Journalist (approx. one mile away); Rice The Missionary (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Silver Spring.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 928 times since then and 77 times this year. Last updated on February 4, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 14, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.