Oakland in Garrett County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Local Muralists Bring History to Life

Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 29, 2023

1. Local Muralists Bring History to Life Marker

Inscription.

Local Muralists Bring History to Life. . , Oakland's Main Street Maryland program and its Design Committee spent several years looking for a way to beautify the town's barren walls while informing its residents and visitors about town history. A review of other small towns around the country with similar goals indicated that large outdoor murals could enhance the streetscape, educate onlookers, celebrate local heritage and even increase business and tourism in the commercial district., A regional competition was held in 2004 to elicit entries from interested qualified artists. Funds were initially received from Oakland's Mayor and Town Council, the Garrett County Arts Council, the Maryland State Arts Council, the Maryland Main Street Program and the Greater Oakland Business Association. Later citizens of Garrett County and visiting vacationers alike took up the challenge by contributing money, providing in kind donations and volunteering time to help make the mural project a reality., The first mural (on the left wall) was conceived and completed by Grantsville artist David Diehl who used an airbrush technique to vividly capture his characters. It depicts a book titled "The History of Oakland" where pages fan out showing many of the famous historical figures known to frequent the Oakland area. Gathered around or nearby the Queen Anne Railroad Station are Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, Albert Einstein, Jonas Salk, naturalist John Burroughs, author Lew Wallace, Buffalo Bill Cody, Ulysses S. Grant, Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Presidents Benjamin Harrison; William McKinley and Grover Cleveland., In commemoration of Oakland's long and mutually beneficial relationship with the B&O Railroad, the second mural (across the parking lot on the right wall) celebrates this important industry. The trains brought guests from the big city, created businesses fueled by guest demands like the Oakland Hotel pictured in the mural and provided jobs for those whe produced timber, coal and ice that was cut from the former Mountain Lake. Designed and painted by Mark Stutzman, a nationally recognized professional artist living in Mountain Lake Park, the mural showcases John Work Garrett who was President of the B&O Railroad in the 1850's when the town of Oakland began its rise to prominence as a haven for summer vacationers.

Oakland's Main Street Maryland program and its Design Committee spent several years looking for a way to beautify the town's barren walls while informing its residents and visitors about town history. A review of other small towns around the country with similar goals indicated that large outdoor murals could enhance the streetscape, educate onlookers, celebrate local heritage and even increase business and tourism in the commercial district.

A regional competition was held in 2004 to elicit entries from interested qualified artists. Funds were initially received from Oakland's Mayor and Town Council, the Garrett County Arts Council, the Maryland State Arts Council, the Maryland Main Street Program and the Greater Oakland Business Association. Later citizens of Garrett County and visiting vacationers alike took up the challenge by contributing money, providing in kind donations and volunteering time to help make the mural project a reality.

The first mural (on the left wall) was conceived and completed by Grantsville artist David Diehl who used an airbrush technique to vividly capture his characters. It depicts a book titled "The History of Oakland" where pages fan out showing many of the famous historical figures known to frequent the Oakland area. Gathered around or nearby the Queen Anne Railroad Station

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are Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, Albert Einstein, Jonas Salk, naturalist John Burroughs, author Lew Wallace, Buffalo Bill Cody, Ulysses S. Grant, Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Presidents Benjamin Harrison; William McKinley and Grover Cleveland.

In commemoration of Oakland's long and mutually beneficial relationship with the B&O Railroad, the second mural (across the parking lot on the right wall) celebrates this important industry. The trains brought guests from the big city, created businesses fueled by guest demands like the Oakland Hotel pictured in the mural and provided jobs for those whe produced timber, coal and ice that was cut from the former Mountain Lake. Designed and painted by Mark Stutzman, a nationally recognized professional artist living in Mountain Lake Park, the mural showcases John Work Garrett who was President of the B&O Railroad in the 1850's when the town of Oakland began its rise to prominence as a haven for summer vacationers.

Erected by Oakland, Maryland, Charlie and Cherie Ross, The Book Market of Oakland, Mayor Asa McCain, and Stan and Wendy Mopsik.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce •

Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 29, 2023

2. Local Muralists Bring History to Life Marker

Left mural is in the background.

Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), and the Maryland, Town of Oakland series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 2004.

Location. 39° 24.53′ N, 79° 24.423′ W. Marker is in Oakland, Maryland, in Garrett County. It is on East Green Street west of South 3rd Street (U.S. 219), on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 215 East Green Street, Oakland MD 21550, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region

and in Western Maryland.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Opera House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rasche Blacksmith Shop (about 300 feet away); Revolutionary War Patriots (about 300 feet away); Welcome to Dailey’s Park (about 300 feet away); Deer Park Hotel Station (about 300 feet away); Cobbler Shop (about 300 feet away); B&O Mile Marker (about 400 feet away); Bottle Cap Mosaic (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oakland.

B&O Railroad Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 29, 2023

3. B&O Railroad Mural

Featuring John Work Garrett, the railroad's President in the 1850's.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 10, 2023, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 365 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 10, 2023, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.