Historic Highlights

in Frederick County

Francis Scott Key Monument at Mount Olivet Cemetery

C&O Canal
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal ran along the Southwestern edge of Frederick County and operated off and on from 1831 to 1924. Communities along the Potomac River used it to float products downstream to market in Washington, D.C. It now is a National Historic Park with a restored towpath that is open year-round to hikers and bicyclists. The Frederick County stretch includes the impressive Monocacy Aqueduct, considered one of the finest canal features in the country.

Covered Bridges
Northern Frederick County is home to three covered bridges.
The Utica Mills, Loy's Station and Roddy Road bridges cross streams in the Thurmont area.
Each is structurally unique compared to the others and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Schifferstadt
Built in 1758, this is the oldest standing house in Frederick and one of the finest German colonial homes that remains. The property was established by immigrant farmer Josef Brunner who named it after his German hometown. It is a National Historic Landmark, and operated as a museum open to the public with gift shop and adjacent heritage garden.

Monocacy National Battlefield
Often called "The Battle that Saved Washington," this action took place just south of Frederick on July 9, 1864. It pitted the defending forces of Union General Lew Wallace against those of advancing Confederate General Jubal Early. Early's forces won the battle, but Wallace delayed the advance enough for reinforcements to protect Washington.

Frederick Historic District
This 50-block national historic district is located in the heart of downtown Frederick.
Frederick, founded in 1745, presents a tapestry of building styles, in form and function, that represent the march of time from then to now. The district includes homes, townhomes, churches, commercial and industrial buildings. The "clustered spires" are the famed skyline attraction provided by the historic district's downtown churches.

Francis Scott Key Monument
Located near the main entrance of Frederick's Mount Olivet Cemetery, this monument and sculpture of Key, dedicated in 1898, stands over the final resting place of the famed author of "The Star-Spangled Banner."  

Barbara Fritchie House
Located in downtown Frederick, this is the reconstructed Cape Cod home of Barbara Fritchie (1766-1862). In September 1862, at age 95, she famously waved a Union flag from her upstairs window in defiance of marching Confederate troops. This act was immortalized in a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier in 1863. Now, this home serves as an Airbnb.


Fun Fact: There is a Historic Covered Bridges Driving Tour consisting of Utica, Loy's Station and Roddy Road. Google "Historic Covered Bridges Frederick" to get the directions.