Fort Detrick near Frederick in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

George Washington

Thomas Johnson

Photographed by Craig Swain, July 1, 2007

1. George Washington Marker

Inscription. On August 5 and 6, 1785, and again June 30 and July 1, 1791, was the guest of Thomas Johnson at the latter's manorial residence which stood on the site of the present farm house, about 150 yards east of this point. Thomas Johnson, a member of the Continental Congress from Maryland, on June 15, 1775 nominated Washington for commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Johnson later became the first governor of Maryland.

Erected 1932 by George Washington Bicentennial Committee of Frederick County.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the George Washington Slept Here series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is June 30, 1892.

Location. 39° 28.103′ N, 77° 24.097′ W. Marker is near Frederick, Maryland, in Frederick County. It is in Fort Detrick. It is at the intersection of Catoctin Mountain Highway (U.S. 15) and Willow Road, on the right when traveling north on Catoctin Mountain Highway. The marker is located at a pull off the divided highway which connects to a private entrance to the farm. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 85510 Willow Rd, Frederick MD 21702, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Central Maryland.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Richfield (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Richfield (within shouting distance of this marker); The Land We Call Home (approx. ¾ mile away); Watercress Farming (approx. 1.8 miles away); Boiler House (approx. 1.8 miles away); Welcome to Fountain Rock Lime Kilns (approx. 1.9 miles away); The Quarry (approx. 1.9 miles away); Working the Kilns (approx. 1.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frederick.

George Washington Marker and CW Trails Marker Alongside the Highway image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, July 1, 2007

2. George Washington Marker and CW Trails Marker Alongside the Highway

Photographed by Craig Swain, July 1, 2007

3. Richfield

The farm house mentioned is currently a private estate standing on a knoll behind a mask of trees.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, July 5, 2010

4. Richfield

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, July 5, 2010

5. Richfield

The house George Washington Slept in twice burned down on May 22, 1818. It was replaced by an Italianate house that stood here during the Civil War and was the birthplace of Admiral Schley, the Hero of Santiago. That house was destroyed by a tornado in 1929 and was substantially rebuilt in the same style.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,031 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 4, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on August 28, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.