Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West

Transportation

Transportation features include Garrett County's Indian Trails, the National Road, and the Casselman Bridge. It also includes railroads and waterways, which all contributed to the cultural landscapes and settlement patterns of Maryland's western frontier. Located in the northern part of Garrett County, I-68 and Maryland Alternate Route 40 provide access to the sites and structures along the historic National Road. This also was the area where General Edward Braddock marched the British Army during the French and Indian War. Important resource connections include: . . Oakland B&O Museum . . Garrett County Transportation Museum . . Grantsville Museum & National Road Inns, Casselman River Bridge, . . Braddock Campsites, Historical Markers . . Penn Alps . . Historic Recreation . Garrett County has a legacy as one of Maryland's most significant recreational areas, even dating back prior to the 20th century. It's natural beauty and resources inspired Native Americans, early settlers, and people from all walks of life including American presidents and prominent historical figures. Lavish resorts flourished throughout the county and today, Deep Creek Lake is still the summer home of several celebrities, drawing visitors from a wide region. Explore Garrett County's many historic recreation resources! . . Hiking & Biking Trails . . Skiing, Downhill & Cross Country, . . White Water Rafting . . Deep Creek Lake. . . Cultural Uniqueness . . The unique climate and terrain of Maryland's western frontier creates a type of isolation in terms of cultural development. Since Garrett's first European settlers, the landscape has appealed to varied ethnic groups, mostly from Northern Europe. Sites relating to this theme recount the lives of various cultural groups that settled and have remained in the area. For example, isolation and natural beauty enticed Amish and Mennonite settlers into the area in the 19th century, searching for religious freedom. In addition, The Appalachian mountain culture itself is very unique, having developed its own food and drink, styles of music, and many other cultural characteristics that have interest for tourists. Garrett County is located within the larger footprint of the Appalachian Forest Heritage Area. . . Cranesville Sub-Artic Swamp . . Highland Festival . . Spruce Forest Artisan Village . . Duntrussen Farm/Pleasant Valley Dream Rides, Amish Dairy Farm . . Man and Nature . . Highlighting the unique natural resources which Garrett County has continually acknowledged and respected including coal, timber, and agriculture. In particular, the County has a unique landscape because it marks the Eastern Continental Divide in Maryland, which Lewis and Clark braved on their expedition across the country. Garrett also has a unique agricultural legacy that comprises many diverse cultural groups. These aspects testify to Garrett County's keen understanding of nature as a partner for humankind instead of an impediment. A rich farming history combines with many distinct cultures to create a farm-landscape unlike any other in Maryland. This includes rolling hills and breathtaking valleys in a patchwork of cultivated fields. These beautiful agricultural areas are located everywhere in Garrett County but the best place to see their beauty is off the main roads. . . 6 State Parks & 3 State Forests . . 150 miles of Scenic Byways . . Coal Heritage Talks available at Garrett College Library: Kitzmiller & Shallmar . . Barn Quilt Tours . . Working Farms Tours . . Stanton's Mill . Gateway to the West . . The overarching theme in the Heritage Area is Garrett County's relationship to the opening and development of America's western frontier in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. In fact Garrett County is Maryland's Gateway to the West and at one time in the past, it was one of the country's main gateways for travelers and settlers. The Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area is best characterized by its Transportation, Historic Recreation, and Culturally Unique resources. . . (9 small color images of structures and landscapes. . . (Logo for Maryland Heritage Area) . Maryland Heritage Area Authority . . To get more information about the sites, activities and museums mentioned here visit: . Garrett County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center . 15 Visitors Center Drive . McHenry, MD 21541 . 301-387-4386 . www.garrettjheritage.com . . (Logo for the Deep Creek Lake Area, Garrett County Chamber of Commerce) . This historical marker was erected by Maryland Heritage Area Authority, Deep Creek Lake Area, Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. It is in Grantsburg in Garrett County Maryland