Historical Markers and War Memorials in Hancock, Maryland
Hagerstown is the county seat for Washington County
Hancock is in Washington County
Washington County(875) ► ADJACENT TO WASHINGTON COUNTY Allegany County(294) ► Frederick County(558) ► Franklin County, Pennsylvania(228) ► Fulton County, Pennsylvania(47) ► Loudoun County, Virginia(345) ► Berkeley County, West Virginia(107) ► Jefferson County, West Virginia(349) ► Morgan County, West Virginia(109) ►
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As we were in 1938 complete with a "Hershey Ice Cream" Shop.
Hancock, Md. May 6, 1938
In front of the present day Visitors Center — the famous "Barton House" — or "Ben Beans" stage inn, (dating back to the 1818 era of the . . . — — Map (db m199829) HM
The log house - well over 250 years old was known as the "Perkins House". Dr. William Perkins served with the Union Army before his medical career in Hancock where he became one of our early mayors.
Far right the "Davis" Hotel - believed to . . . — — Map (db m199843) HM
George Washington’s diary (while he visited Berkley Springs in 1769) states: “Aug. 30 Old Mr. Flint dined with us” and on Sept. 4: “Rid to the Potomac where my horses were. From thence to Mr. Flint’s and to the Pennsylvania Line, . . . — — Map (db m61485) HM
On this site a pedestrian park was constructed to provide access to Hancock's main street from the Western Maryland Rail Trail and to provide a comfortable rest area for bikers and walkers of the Rail Trail. The park was dedicated on April 11, . . . — — Map (db m96130) HM
A panorama of the original Maryland-West Virginia river bridge. Foreground on right the Western Maryland Railroad station. Mid photo - the toll house for the bridge and the toll keeper's house with the C&O Canal and tow path to the right. . . . — — Map (db m199822) HM
Looking at the remaining iron railings and graceful arch of the Tonoloway Aqueduct, it is easy to see why canal company officials referred to the eleven aqueducts along the canal as “works of art.” Built between 1835 and 1839, Aqueduct 7 . . . — — Map (db m61165) HM
1. Big Pool Junction
The Big Pool Train Station was constructed in 1892 to make a connection with the B&O Railroad across the river at Cherry Run, WV. The Western Maryland Railroad was in a boom stage of growth with the 18 miles of rail . . . — — Map (db m96129) HM
1. Big Pool Junction
The Big Pool Train Station was constructed in 1892 to make a connection with the B&O Railroad across the river at Cherry Run, WV. The Western Maryland Railroad was in a boom stage of growth with the 18 miles of rail . . . — — Map (db m96131) HM
Fort Coombe, a Maryland stockaded fort of 1755–56 located north of this point. One of the frontier forts during the French and Indian War. The survey of the Mason and Dixon Line during 1763–68 placed it in Pennsylvania instead of . . . — — Map (db m833) HM
After stunning victories at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, Virginia, early in May 1863, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee carried the war through Maryland, across the Mason and Dixon Line and into Pennsylvania. His infantry marched north through . . . — — Map (db m718) HM
After stunning victories at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, Virginia, early in May 1863, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee carried the war through Maryland, across the Mason and Dixon Line and into Pennsylvania. His infantry marched north through . . . — — Map (db m719) HM
After stunning victories at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, Virginia, early in May 1863, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee carried the war through Maryland, across the Mason and Dixon Line and into Pennsylvania. His infantry marched north . . . — — Map (db m831) HM
“After the exhilaration of a gallop down the mountain without breaks, what appetite would not be set on edge, what refinement of palate displeased by venison cutlets, or even ham and eggs?”
Harper’s Magazine, . . . — — Map (db m5931) HM
Situated on the Potomac River at the narrowest point in the state of Maryland the town of Hancock is rich in history. The town is named for Joseph Hancock, Jr., who ferried travelers, traders, and commerce across the Potomac.
In 1818, the . . . — — Map (db m96126) HM
1700’s
Hancock is a settlement that was once on the frontier edge of Maryland. Early maps show European settlers here in the 1730s. As an outpost on the frontier, the area known as “Tonoloway Settlement” was subject to . . . — — Map (db m96139) HM
1700’s
Hancock is a settlement that was once on the frontier edge of Maryland. Early maps show European settlers here in the 1730s. As an outpost on the frontier, the area known as “Tonoloway Settlement” was subject to . . . — — Map (db m96140) HM
“After the exhilaration of a gallop down the mountain without breaks, what appetite would not be set on edge, what refinement of palate displeased by venison cutlets, or even ham and eggs?”
Harper’s Magazine, . . . — — Map (db m199838) HM
Construction of the C&O Canal was completed through Hancock by the late 1830s. The network between the coal mines, dealers, merchants, canal company, and tidewater shipping became economically strong.
As a result of the increasing prosperity in . . . — — Map (db m96128) HM
Hancock Presbyterian Church was organized on June 19, 1841. The first Pastor was the Reverend J.O. Proctor, who served from 1844-1852. Robert F. Bridges, Robert Wason, and James Hughes were elected ruling elders. The present brick church was . . . — — Map (db m148829) HM
The Cumberland Extension of the Western Maryland Railway reached Hancock by December of 1904. The Hancock Station was a combination passenger and freight station that was constructed in 1904–1905.
Passenger service was discontinued in . . . — — Map (db m736) HM
The American Eagle in his inspiring grandeur,
is the symbol of our heritage as the eagle
soars through the vast sky with endless
freedom and total power. We are reminded of
the pride we find living in this country
based on freedom equality and . . . — — Map (db m204026) WM
Hancock and its surrounding area during the main span of the 20th century was one of the largest fruit producers in the nation. In 1886 Edmund Pendleton Cohill began the cultivation of fruit crops. Over the years his planted acreage increased, and . . . — — Map (db m213822) HM
Resting place for beloved parishioners and their family members who have entered the Larger Life in Jesus Christ.
This Cemetery also includes some unmarked graves of Civil War troops who died here during the period (1862-63) following . . . — — Map (db m199940) HM
In Honor and Remembrance
of the heroes and victims in the
fight against terrorism
and to celebrate the
enduring spirit of all Americans — — Map (db m199931) WM
They told us. "We are going to have peace even if we have to fight for it.” So we fought in the
mountains on Heartbreak Ridge and waded ashore at lachon.
We froze in the winter and baked in the summer sun.
At times, we were greatly . . . — — Map (db m204039) WM
"There is no one more devoted, more committed to the hard work of freedom, than every Soldier
and Sailor, every Marine, Airman and Coast Guardsman every man and woman sow serving in the
Persian Gulf."
-President George Bush — — Map (db m204043) WM
This memorial was erected in memory of the young individuals who went to war av kids and lost their
youthful dreams, and some their lives, for a cause freedom and honor and came back as men with the
horrors of war instilled in every fiber of their . . . — — Map (db m204041) WM
It was known as the Great War...
the war to end all war.
We went "over there to the songs and shears of our countrymen, and marked right into the gem
reality of twentieth century warfare. Poison gas machine guns, tanks, aircraft and submarines . . . — — Map (db m204036) WM
This memorial is in honor of all of the World War II veterans who were involved in the fight for the
freedom of America and the free world.
Whether they fought in the Pacific or European theater, they faced a resolute and often brutal . . . — — Map (db m204037) WM
Interstate Route 68 is dedicated in recognition and memory of those Marylanders who served in the Vietnam War 1959 - 1975 -
Dedicated August 2, 1991 -
This plaque is donated to the State of Maryland by Chapter 172 Vietnam Veterans of . . . — — Map (db m67091) WM
Little Pool was part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal which connected Cumberland to Georgetown and ran parallel to the Potomac River. The principal cargo hauled on the canal heading east was coal. Westbound boats hauled various cargoes such as . . . — — Map (db m96155) HM
Born in this house
Lt. Gen. Richard K. Sutherland
Nov. 27, 1893 - June 25, 1966
Chief of Staff to
Gen. Douglas MacArthur
during the Pacific Campaign
— — Map (db m152828) HM
Main Street looking east circa 1910 on Rt 40 far right the "Rhinehart Mansion" with "Masons Drug Store" behind (later "Whites Store") - always one of the busiest intersections in town.
North West Corner of Main Street and Penn Ave. Far left . . . — — Map (db m199887) HM
Maj. James Breathed was born near present-day Berkeley Spring, W. Va., on December 15, 1838, and moved while young with his family to Washington Co., Md. He attended St. James School in Lydia, where his father John Breathed was headmaster. At age . . . — — Map (db m155364) HM
A small community originally called Millstone Point, but later changed to just Millstone, grew up along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Andrew Jackson (General and later U.S. President) met a committee from Hancock here. Harpers Monthly relates the . . . — — Map (db m96154) HM
The significance of this structure lies both in its history and architecture. It is one of the few remaining “toll houses” along the old National Road. The National Road was chartered between Hancock and Cumberland in 1819 and completed in 1822, . . . — — Map (db m5799) HM
A railroad siding was constructed near here to allow the train's coal cars to unload their cargo at the coal trestle. From the trestle the coal cars would dump the coal to load the trucks that were waiting down below. The trucks would then deliver . . . — — Map (db m96156) HM
Across the canal bed are the remains of the once prosperous Round Top Cement Mill. The abundance of high calcium limestone drew cement manufacturers to this area in 1838. A useful material, limestone can be cut into building blocks or burned and . . . — — Map (db m96123) HM
The Round Top Hydraulic Cement Company operated at this site from 1863 to 1909. The mill, which was powered by a 16 foot water wheel and eight coal fired kilns, produced 2200 barrels of hydraulic cement per week. The raw materials for the mill were . . . — — Map (db m96160) HM
The layers of red sandstone, siltstone, shale and limestone beneath the limekilns on the other side of the canal are like pages in a book to geologists. These folded, even rock layers indicate that millions of years ago this area was covered by a . . . — — Map (db m96125) HM
Round Top Hill is ecologically sensitive due to its unique geology and topography. These characteristics have resulted in the formation of unique natural habitats (often referred to as natural communities which support a variety of unusual plants . . . — — Map (db m96161) HM
The Round Top Sand Company and the Maryland Glass Company mined sand in this area during the early 1900's. On the ridge overlooking this area lies a thick bed of Oriskany Sandstone. This sedimentary rock formation yielded a fine, white sand that . . . — — Map (db m96162) HM
Rainwater enters the outcropping sandstones of Sideling Hill and collects in what is termed an aquifer. In this highway cut, the water runs out at the bottom of the fractured sandstone layers because it cannot go through the dense claystone below. . . . — — Map (db m5543) HM
The sweep of geologic time exposed by this 380 foot slice into Sideling Hill spans about 20 million years. From the dark gray marine rocks at the far end of the north slope which are about 36 million years old, to the white continental sandstones . . . — — Map (db m826) HM
Across the highway, you have a clue to the past. The slanting tan sandstone was the bed of a river which scoured out the curved place you see. The river meandered away and left a marshy area or lake which was filled with dark gray mud or . . . — — Map (db m827) HM
A siding track, two and one half miles long, ran through the town of Hancock. This track allowed local businesses to load and off load materials and supplies. Typical materials included lumber, timber, agricultural supplies, sand, coal, aggregate . . . — — Map (db m96159) HM
During 1861–62 the church was used as a hospital by Union troops of 39th Illinois Regiment Volunteers, 5th Connecticut Regiment Volunteers, 46th Pennsylvania Regiment Volunteers, and 28th New York Regiment Volunteers, under Colonel Williams. Their . . . — — Map (db m739) HM
Before you, at the top of Church Street, stands St. Thomas Episcopal Church, which became an unintended target of Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson’s artillery on January 5-6, 1862. Jackson had led his force from Winchester, Virginia to destroy as . . . — — Map (db m832) HM
On January 5, 1862, artillery shells screamed overhead from hills across the Potomac River behind you and crashed into an idyllic scene: this snow-covered town on a hilly riverbank. Up the street, Union troops took cover behind St. Thomas Episcopal . . . — — Map (db m199827) HM
For well over one hundred years the Hancock area has been at the heart of the Maryland Apple Industry. At the first part of the 20th Century, the gently rolling hills and vast open territories hosted over twelve major orchards. Some of the more . . . — — Map (db m96163) HM
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was a crucial strand in an economic web stretching from the mountain town of Cumberland to the tidewater ports of Georgetown and Alexandria.
The canal depended on the prosperity of the nearby towns, businesses and . . . — — Map (db m96127) HM
The great snow of 1936 which was followed by our worst flood in March 1936 which destroyed much in the east end of town and washed out our bridge to West Virginia.
Hancock Maryland, 1936 - Year of the great flood
In front of . . . — — Map (db m199886) HM
Built in the 1780’s this farm house witnessed the arrival of the C&O Canal in the mid-1830’s. Located at the east side of Hancock, the house residents catered to canawlers who passed through Lock 52 and the Tonoloway Aqueduct, selling goods and . . . — — Map (db m61164) HM
“. . . so many happy people, restless in the midst of abundance.” —Alexis de Tocqueville, 1840.
Americans are an adventurous people. From
past to present, they have used feet, horses,
wagons, stagecoaches, canals, . . . — — Map (db m824) HM
“. . . so many happy people, restless in the midst of abundance.” —Alexis de Tocqueville, 1840.
Americans are an adventurous people. From
past to present, they have used feet, horses,
wagons, stagecoaches, canals, . . . — — Map (db m830) HM
Big Tonoloway and Little Tonoloway Creeks empty into the Potomac River nearby. The Native American translation for Tonoloway is "long tail" or "wildcat". People of English, German, and Scots-Irish descent, who came down from present day Fulton . . . — — Map (db m96157) HM
These bricks were knocked off of the Hancock Presbyterian Church by a cannon ball, when General Stonewall Jackson's forces shelled Hancock, from Brusius Hill, which is located across the Potomac River in West Virginia and now known as Jackson's . . . — — Map (db m148831) HM
Lieut. Stoddert and twenty men erected and garrisoned a block house and stockaded fort near here on the property of Evan Shelby in 1755 after Braddock’s defeat. It was abandoned in 1756-7 after Fort Frederick was completed. — — Map (db m508) HM
Joseph P. Anthony •
Joshua Baker •
George W. Barnett •
Andrew J. Baxter •
John Bayne •
David L. Beard •
John Bishop •
John W. Burgess •
James D. Bvers •
Daniel A. Carl •
Elias Clevenger •
Francis T. Corbett •
Thomas C. . . . — — Map (db m204045) WM
The American Eagle in his inspiring grandeur is the symbol of our heritage. As the eagle soars through the vast sky with endless freedom and total power we are reminded of the pride we find living in this country based on freedom, equality and . . . — — Map (db m139128) WM
Victorian Garden at the rear of the "Fields and Brooks" home.
Taken circa 1905 back of" the Brooks BLDG"
Corner of Fulton and Main street the rest of the people are the Cohill family (now a parking lot) . . . — — Map (db m199883) HM
