McHenry in Garrett County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Performing Arts & Culture
| — | Hidden Heritage of Garrett County | — |
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 12, 2025
1. Performing Arts & Culture Marker
The Garrett County heritage of the performing arts date back as far as the late 1800s. In 1881, a group of Methodist ministers and businessmen from Wheeling, West Virginia, envisioned their own Chautauqua resort. After visiting the 800 acres known as Hoye's Big Pasture near Oakland in Garrett County, these men were so impressed with the picturesque scenery, the cool clean mountain air, and the convenient train service that they purchased the land. Just $4,672 later, the men finally found the ideal spot to refresh the body as well as the soul! The spot was named Mountain Lake Park. The lake, however, didn't exist until 1896 when a twenty-two-acre artificial lake was developed for swimming and boating.
In the spring of 1882, the Assembly Hall was constructed and was the first building. The first camp meeting was held on the grounds in July of 1882. The first Chautauqua session, which blended religious revivalism with cultural and educational activities, took place later that August. In 1931, after the decline of Chautauqua programs and World War I, the Mountain Lake Park MD, was incorporated into a town. Because a portion
this page online
Full of so much history, Mountain Lake Park, is a must when you are visiting the area. The town is made up of 145 historic buildings that were built in the 1880's. Most of the beautiful structures were built in Queen Anne Style.
Erected 2022 by Garrett College.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Parks & Recreational Areas • Religion & Religious Structures • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1882.
Location. 39° 33.576′ N, 79° 20.729′ W. Marker is in McHenry, Maryland, in Garrett County. It is on Mosser Road west of Allen S. Paugh Sr. Road, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located on the paved walking trail beside Mosser Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 495 Mosser Road, Mc Henry MD 21541, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Western Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 12, 2025
2. Performing Arts & Culture Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Agriculture and Farming (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Meshach Browning (about 500 feet away); African American History (approx. ¼ mile away); Wisp Ski Resort (approx. 0.3 miles away); Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company (approx. 0.4 miles away); In Honor and Remembrance (approx. 0.4 miles away); Boats of Deep Creek Lake (approx. half a mile away); An Attraction for Visitors (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in McHenry.
Another marker is no longer nearby. The National Road (was approx. 0.7 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 100 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 18, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
