Meandering Through Historic Maryland

“Strong Deeds, Gentle Words” Maryland State Motto

By Renée S. Gordon History & Travel Writer

Artifacts dating from more than 10,000 years ago have been found in the region now Maryland, once the homeland of Paleo-Indians. The land was later inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Lenape, Nanticoke and Powhatan. In 1608 the first documented European explorer, John Smith, sailed to the area on an expeditionary voyage. Twenty-four years later the 2nd Baron Baltimore was granted a charter for a colony in Maryland. It was named for King Charles’ wife, Queen Henrietta Maria. The first 234 colonists arrived in 1634. They found the land filled with dunes, pine groves, rivers, the Atlantic Ocean, freshwater and marine fish, 400 bird types and 93 mammal species. #VisitMaryland

Maryland has 24 counties, the largest of which is Montgomery County. It was created at the Constitutional Convention of 1776 from a portion of Frederick County. It takes its name from Revolutionary War General Richard Montgomery who died in 1775 attacking Quebec. @Thinkmoco.com

Harriet Beecher Stowe published a book in 1852 that allegedly caused Lincoln to say of her that she was “the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war”. Uncle Tom’s Cabin blends narratives of several enslaved individuals with the most prominent being Josiah Henson as the titular Uncle Tom. The term, “Uncle Tom,” is generally taken to depict a subservient person who curries favor in all circumstances and

at every opportunity. Josiah Henson withstood the harshest conditions and endured to become a self-emancipated Methodist minister, abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor. In 2021 the Josiah Henson Museum and Park opened with a mission to paint an accurate portrait of Henson, his life and ante-bellum plantation life for the owners and the enslaved. Tours and educational programs advance the goals.

Henson was born in Maryland in 1789 and he, along with his mother, were sold to Isaac Riley in 1795. Because of his exhibited intelligence he was appointed superintendent of the plantation while a teen. After years of hard work, he learned he was to be sold. He took his wife and children, the two youngest in a sack on his back, and made his way to Canada.

The museum complex houses historic buildings, a 4-acre park, exterior exhibits and a visitor center. The museum features archeological artifacts, films, audios and interpretive panels. There is also a 12-minute orientation film, My Name is Josiah Henson. In 1830 Henson escaped to freedom from the Riley Plantation. The 1815 Riley/Bolton House and attached kitchen are onsite. Tickets are mandatory and must be purchased online. montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/ josiah-henson-park

Washington County was carved from Frederick County in 1776 and named in honor of Gorge Washington, America’s first president. Boonsboro was established in 1792 by two of Daniel Boone’s cousins, George and William. It was situated on the National Road and is the gateway to significant Civil War locations. There are 36-sites on the area tour. visithagerstown.com

The 1796 Eagle Hotel was the first stone building in Boonsboro. It was built by Peter Conn in the style of French Second Empire. The hotel was extremely popular when Main Street was the oft-used National Road.

A log house was constructed in 1826 and later sold to John Bowman. Bowman, an ex-Union soldier, lived in the house from 1865-1906 and his red-ware pottery business was run from the Bowman House. The 2-story, L-shaped, cabin has been restored and a carriage house and pottery shed have been added to the site.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church-Lappans Road was constructed in 1849 as a limestone rectangle. The walls are 17-ft. tall and 2-ft. thick. In 1999 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It is probable that enslaved workers helped build the church and the 8 founders were all slave owners and held a total of 53 slaves between them. The church retains the original balcony for the seating of slaves. The first wedding documented by the church is that of slaves Jeremiah and Melinda. The current congregation is actively working to shed light on the church’s ties to slavery through research, programming, renovation of the slave gallery and installation of a monument in recognition of the enslaved interred in the church cemetery.

Nora Roberts, the best-selling author of more than 200 books, is the creator and owner of a boutique inn that is the epitome of luxury and romance, The Inn BoonsBoro on the Square. There are eight unique guest accommodations named in honor of literary lovers of the past, including Nick and Nora, Jane and Rochester and Percy and Marguerite. Each room is filled with designer amenities, hypo-allergenic linens, heated towel racks and tile floors, free-standing tubs, multi-jet showers, scent dispenser, DVD players and a cashmere throw. An awesome aspect of each guestroom is its singular scent. Bath amenities, with a scent developed for only that room, make each accommodation even more individual. Gourmet breakfast is served daily, wine and cheese are featured from 5-6 PM and snacks and drinks are always available. There are two ADA compliant suites. Innboonsboro.com

There is an embarrassment of riches in Maryland and there is always more to do. Visitors should not miss the designated trails that provide additional immersive experiences. The self-guided Washington Pottery Trail winds its way through the Appalachian foothills South Mountain Corridor to the workshops of ten potters. Visitors learn about the craft and are able to purchase special memorabilia. visithagerstown.com/ pottery-trail

In 2020 a Tastemakers Trail was established. The self-guided tour through Washington’s wine country includes local craft beverage makers, tasting rooms, the largest organic coffee roasters, breweries, a distillery and a cidery. visitmontgomery.com/tastemakers/craft-pass/

Make memories as you meander through Maryland.

***On a quirkier note, since 1962 the state’s official sport is jousting.