MARYLAND
The Chesapeake State
A name most of us recognize, but what do we know of him? His roots are deep in Maryland. He was born into slavery, only knowing his father as possibly his master. At the age of 20, he escaped by boarding a nearby train. He married and raised a family of five children. He wrote three autobiographies sharing his experiences of being a slave to a free man. He dedicated his entire adult life of 60 years narrating the roots of being in bondage and self-emancipation (escaping). He became internationally known, bringing to the world how the American slavery system was inhumane, immoral and unconstitutional. He states, "It is always a fact of some importance to know where a man is born, indeed, to be important to know anything about him." Maryland remembers this man and his dramatic impact on the world at various location throughout the state. Meet Federick Douglass.
Annapolis - Who is this woman? Why is she standing in the upper gallery observing and listening to General George Washington giving his resignation speech? During this time in history, women were not allowed to be on Maryland Senate Chamber floor. They were escorted upstairs to view all proceedings. On the day of George Washington's Commander-in-Chief resignation, many women were present, including Molly Ridout. Molly is remembered in history as she authored one of the only written accounts of this epic event. Her writing is the only description from a private citizen. A beautiful resin statue currently stands in the space Molly stood located in the Maryland State House.
Annapolis - On 12/23/1783, American history completely changed course at Maryland State House. Inside at the main gallery, stands a bronze statue of General George Washington formally resigning his position as Commander in Chief to Congress. There are authentic reports that many of the attended congressmen had tears in their eyes as they listened to a very emotional George Washington. His goal was to retire to Mount Vernon. Six years later, George Washington is unanimously elected to become the first President of the United States. It is easy to spend an entire afternoon in this historic building as you find yourself completely immersed in hallways and rooms full of colonial history. Make sure you find the exhibit case housing the original handwritten speech from George Washington.
Annapolis - At the Annapolis' City Harbor is a one-of-kind memorial dedicated to the epic book, "Roots". The Pulitzer Prize author, Alex Haley, is seen sitting with three young children of different ethnic backgrounds, reading the story of Kunta Kinte. The story tells the harrowing story of one of the first Africans forcefully brought to the New World to be enslaved. This memorial sits at the harbor where 98 Africans, including Kunta Kinte, arrived September 29, 1767. It is the only memorial in the United States commemorating the actual name and place of an enslaved African. The book sold 1.5 million copies in the first seven months of its release.
Annapolis - Do you recognize the name of Thurgood Marshall? He was the attorney representing the plaintiffs in the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education (1954). Born in Baltimore, MD, he became the 1st black U.S. Supreme Court Justice (Judge) appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This prominent statue shows Thurgood Marshall as a young lawyer with a briefcase in hand. Behind him are the engraved words, "Equal Justice Under Law." As you stand in front of this memorable memorial, you can sense the impact Thurgood Marshall made during the Civil Rights Movement. Thurgood Marshall is great role model for young and old reminding us, anything is possible.
Clinton - Little unknown history of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln Part One - The assassin, John Wilkes Booth, fled from the Ford Theatre on horseback after assassinating President Abraham Lincoln. Booth, rode into the night with a broken leg. His first stop was at the Surratt House to gather weapons and supplies which had been hidden there. The Surrat House was known for being a tavern, dining hall and hotel for traveling gentlemen. Afterwards, Booth rode to Dr Samual Mudd seeking medical treatment for his broken leg. Mrs Surratt was convicted of conspiracy to assassinate the President. On July 5, 1865, she became the 1st woman to be executed by the Federal government. Today, the Surratt home is a museum educating the public about the dramatic events surrounding the Lincoln assassination.
Waldorf - Little unknown history of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln Part Two - As most of us know, John Wilkes Booth broke his leg jumping to the stage after assassinating President Lincoln. Fleeing the Ford theatre on horseback, Booth arrived at Dr. Samual Mudd's residence at 4:00 am seeking medical attention. Dr. Mudd splinted the leg and allowed Booth to rest upstairs until the following afternoon (Waldorf, Maryland). Dr. Mudd was convicted for aiding in the assassination and received a life sentence. Four years later, Dr. Samual Mudd was pardoned by President Andrew Johnson and released from prison. The home is now a small museum educating the public about Dr. Mudd's involvement in this tragic story of the United States.
Grantsville - A family's history becomes a living farm for everyone to experience. Just before browsing the small roads of an artesian village, enter the beautiful House of Yoder. Philip Yoder offers incredible personal narratives of his family's travels from Switzerland in the colonial days. Philip takes his visitors, from room to room, sharing enlightening stories of the lives of his grandparents. My favorite story is "The Soul Window." When a family member was sick, they were placed near an open window. Superstition has it that the spirit would escape through the open window in case of death. This would prevent the house from being haunted. Philip offers an easy reading book, "Treasures of Clay" to visitors wanting to learn more. On the back cover reads the following old proverb, "When an elderly person dies, a library burns to the ground." Phillip Yoder keeps his family's "library" alive at the House Yoder nestled in the mountains of Western Maryland.
LARGER THAN LIFE IN MARYLAND PT 2 - A sky-reaching monument soars in remembrance for the 3,385 imprisoned civil war soldiers and sailors buried here from Point Lookout prison war camp. The beautiful 178-foot-tall Washington Monument is the first built in the United States dedicated to President George Washington located in Baltimore. The tallest building in Baltimore is the 1911 Bromo Seltzer Clock Tower standing at 15 stories. Inside, all 15 stories offer the public artist studios displaying their work. The 1911 clock continues to work today.
LARGER THAN LIFE IN MARYLAND PT 1 - Rumor has it a bottle of whiskey is sealed in the 1808 Jug Bridge Monument located in the City of Frederick. This ornamental monument was to celebrate an elaborate bridge which was on the National Road crossing the Monocacy River. Below, check out a unique black and white photo of Carl Fisher, famous automobilist, posing on top of the monument for American Motorist Magazine. A 1838 massive furnace still stands in the town of Lonaconing. This historic furnace was the first furnace that used coal instead of charcoal to make iron.
Little Known in Maryland - In 1964, a B-52 bomber carrying 2 of the largest U.S. nuclear bombs crashed on the Stonewall Green farm. The result was 3 fatalities and 2 survivors. The small memorial is dedicated to the five service men and the citizens who spent more than 5 days in subzero weather and deep snow assisting with the rescue. In a small coal town of Lonaconing (pop 1,200), the world's greatest left-hand pitcher, Robert Moses "Lefty" Grove, was born. He continued to live out his life off season and retired in Lonaconing. Seventy-five years later, many of his records remained unbroken. A small park shares his stories, including his contributions to the community.
Annapolis - The United States Naval Academy is a must when traveling in Maryland. Established in 1845, the second oldest academy in the US, the 338-acre campus offers a full day of educating fun and adventure. As you share the sidewalks with the students in uniform (midshipmen), take in the elegant living quarters of the officers. Enter the buildings to learn about the Wright Brothers’ impact with the Naval force and other amazing historical military facts. Below the magnificent Main Chapel is the display of a beautiful crypt honoring the 1st Navy American hero, John Paul Jones. Be sure to take a refreshing break at the Naval Academy coffee bar. As you leave, stop at the gift shop as the store is full of cool memorabilia.
Leonardtown - This is no ordinary stone on display in the town of Leonardtown. Legend has it, in 1697, Molly Oyer was accused of witchcraft and was chased from her home on a very cold, wintery night. Falling to her death, Molly clenched a large stone and raised her other hand in the air, cursing the town and anyone who touches the stone. Three hundred twenty-six years later, the locals still talk about Molly Oyer and warn strangers that touching the stone will curse their lives. On a lighter note, a unique mural can be delightfully enjoyed in Leonardtown. "Mad about Leonardtown" is a variation of Alice in Wonderland depicting from colorful butterflies to a female astronaut enjoying a frothy "cold one." For those wanting a unique day, one should visit the small town of Leonardtown, Maryland.
Few of Maryland's Oddities - 1) A ministry in Frostburg is building an ark the exact specifications (450 ft long, 75 ft wide and 45 ft high) shared in the bible from the epic story of Noah. 2) Fairy tale buildings and statues (constructed 1965-1989) throughout a petting zoo farm "Enchanted Forest" located in Ellicot. 3) The sculpture of the larger than life "Blue and White" is unknown which is located within an unlikely place, an industrial complex, in Cockeysville. An amazing piece of art depicting a Confererate soldier offering a Union soldier his water canteen.
Maryland Foods - Get your tastebuds dancing with these delicious, iconic Maryland foods. We have chosen some of the best locations throughout the state. 1) Fresh crab cakes at the Hen House Restaurant located in Frostburg. 2) Stuffed Ham Sandwich served with Hush Puppies at Chief's Your Neighborhood Bar in Tall Timbers. 3) Made from scratch pastries at Black Market Bakers in Annapolis (the line is always out the door). 4) Delicious old-fashion country foods at Casselman Inn in Grantsville. The Inn began serving the public when stagecoaches and covered wagons were passing by in 1842. It was also unique to see Apple Butter as a condiment on the tables of Casselman.
Cumberland - The city of Cumberland played such an important role in the forming years of the United States. Once nicknamed, "The Queen City" as it was the 2nd largest city and port in Maryland. As you spend time in this historic city, you will feel as though you have stepped back in time. The quaint streets offer historic steeple cathedrals and beautifully restored buildings. Also, the historic Cumberland Train Station is a must to visit. George Washington spent time in Cumberland several times. Before being elected as the first president of the United States, this was the location of his first military headquarters. Later as president, he revisited to review the troops assembled to stop the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794. Famers were angry with the first federal tax being implemented on spirits and the stills which produced them. To truly experience the rich history and diverse geography of Maryland, one is encouraged to visit the panhandle of the state.
Cumberland - The White House was one of their clients! In the early 1900's, this establishment was the largest dry cleaning and dyeing business in the Midatlantic region. It proudly advertised on its four-story building to be, "America's Greatest." Presently, this building houses modern residential lofts, a restaurant and brew pub. This historical industrial building stands strong with the original bricking and terra cotta tiled roof. It's quite a site to see this historic building in the small city of Cumberland (pop 19,000).
Swallow Falls State Park - A crashing 53-foot waterfall in Maryland? Following a 1 1/4 trail takes you on a journey through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state. Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and Harvey Firestone camped for 5 days in this beautiful state park, Swallow Falls State Park. Be sure to stop by Candyland, on your way to the park, as the aisles offer over 900 varieties of candy. They continue to be the "sweet spot" of Western Maryland since the 1960's.
Cumberland - The 1st toll booth in America! Charging the usage of a road began in 1811 in the State of Maryland. The fees charged were based on the potential damage vehicles and animals could cause on the roadway. The first year in operation, Maryland collected $10,000 which is incredible being the average charge was only six cents. The toll collector earned $200 a year and had free living quarters.
One of a kind Historic Bridges across Maryland - The largest stone arch bridge in America (Castleman's River Bridge 1813). The first full iron bridge in America (Bollman Iron Truss Bridge 1869). Maryland's longest historic covered bridge spanning 119 feet (Gilpin's Falls Bridge 1860). Maryland's smallest historic covered bridge spanning only 40 feet. (Roddy Road Bridge 1856).
Glen Burnie - The largest Crash Test Dummy towers at 34 feet! He is so large and heavy it took a crane to place him in front of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Authority. His price tag was $63,000.
No matter what angle you look at it, it is still a crab deep fried! Every bit of it, including the shell and claws are edible. The blue soft-shell crab is rich in flavor creating a true gourmet delicacy. When in Maryland, join the locals and indulge in the Maryland State Sandwich. They are only available from May to September.
Baltimore - The greatest baseball player of ALL time was born in Baltimore! In front of the entrance gates of Oriole Stadium stands the baseball icon, Babe Ruth. Also in front is the beginning path of 60 baseballs painted on the sidewalk leading you to his birthplace. Today, the once Baltimore row house is now a museum dedicated to his life and legacy. For the baseball enthusiast, this is a must!
Baltimore - A book lover’s dream offering over 300,000 volumes of books from the 1800's sits in the heart of Baltimore. As you stand on the marble floor of the George Peabody Library, you will find yourself 360-degrees mesmerized by the 61-foot interior and the 5 tiers of exquisite balconies. Rows of beautiful cabinets index each book by the Dewey Decimal System. This library was built in 1878 and is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. No check outs! All books need to be read inside.
Baltimore - The uniqueness of Baltimore exposed - A saloon, established in 1775, still thrives today in Baltimore. The locals continue to call it, "The Horse." (Many say this is the last place Edgar Allen Poe was seen before his death). Built in 1892 as an observatory, the beautiful 60-foot tower still stands today at Patterson Park. Nipper, the iconic RCA dog listening to a phonograph, prominently stands out on the top of the Maryland Center for History and Culture building. Old Town Mall is abandoned leaving it in decay and ruin for over forty years. It was once a thriving business district in Baltimore dating back to the 1800's.
Baltimore - The assassinator of President Abraham Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth, is buried within the Booth family plot located at Baltimore's Green Mount Cemetary. John Booth's body lies underneath an unmarked tombstone. The family was afraid of vandalism. People place Lincoln head pennies face up on the headstone to "lock the assassin in the ground." Nearby are the tombstones of two conspirators who tried to work with John Booth on the idea to kidnap President Lincoln. Neither were directly involved with the assassination of our 16th President of the United States.
Baltimore - ATTENTION all literature and Poe enthusiasts! The mysterious author, Edgar Allen Poe, lived and is buried in the heart of Baltimore. He is best known for the story of "The Tell-Tale Heart" and the poem, "The Raven.” His red brick row home is now a small museum located in a high crime area of Baltimore. Originally, he was buried with an unmarked grave in the back of the graveyard. Then a group of Baltimore school children raised money through “Pennies for Poe,” honoring him with a beautiful tombstone. He and his wife were relocated to the new tombstone. As you walk through the graveyard, you will also spot where he was originally buried. As you explore the graveyard, check out the gravity-defying bench listed in Ribley’s Believe It or Not.
Baltimore - On April 25th, 1890, three individuals were at a boarding home in Baltimore asking an unnamed, mysterious board various questions. One of them asked the board what it would like to be called. The board spelled O-U-I-J-A. Today, that exact location is a 7-11 convenient store. The commemorative plaque is mounted on a wall near the candy bar aisle. Also in Baltimore, at the Green Mount Cemetary, the inventor of the OUIJA Board is buried. He is easy to locate as a OUIJA Board tombstone stands at his burial site.
Baltimore - Let us get right to the point! You can't miss it! A huge pencil sticking right out of the wall of this brick building located in Baltimore. Did you know? 1) A standard pencil can draw a line 35 miles long. 2) It can write around 45,000 words. 3) A pencil can be used underwater, in space and upside down. 4) About 14 billion pencils are produced annually, enough to circle our planet 40 times. and 5) Before the invention of the eraser, breadcrumbs were used to remove pencil marks.
Baltimore (6 of 6 series)- The last series of photos, from a sea caption's view, of the City of Baltimore. Random shots showing the many sides of the city.
Baltimore (4 of 5 series) - Check out the epic story of how our national anthem came about in Chesapeake Bay.
Baltimore (3 of 5 series) - "Professor Trash" has collected over 1,000,000 (million) pounds of trash out of the waters located at the Baltimore Inner Harbor. It is solar and hydroelectric. "Mr. Trash" is a celebrity as he has his own Twitter account!
Baltimore (2 of 5 series) - A ship graveyard? History tells us during World War I, the US government spent over $1 billion dollars on building wooden ships for Europe. Not one of them crossed waters, as they were ill-built and ill-suited. Over 200 of those unwanted ships were literally dumped in Mallow's Bay. It was the most economical way to dispose of them. Disrepair pieces still remain today. Curtis Creek Ship Graveyard.
Downtown Baltimore (1 of 5 series) - From the Chesapeake Bay waters, one can admire a unique view of the City of Baltimore. Being the 12th most populated city in the United States. In a one-mile square radius, 43,000 reside and 125,000 work. (Laptop - scroll over the photos for more information. Phone - touch 1st photo and scroll from the bottom)
Dundalk - Wandering into a local hangout, Hard Yacht Cafe, to relax with a local IPA beer. At the far end of the bar was a couple who I asked for a recommendation. Our conversation began. In a short time, I am wearing a souvenir Hard Yacht Cafe shirt which they bought me. As I am about to leave, the couple invites me to join them on their yacht tomorrow for a day on Chesapeake Bay. Stayed tuned for some unique photos and stories as we explore the shorelines of Baltimore, Maryland.
Each state has cities with weird names. Maryland is no exception with cities such as Boring, Crapo, Secretary and more. Check out the photos and history of how two Maryland cities acquired their weird names - Accident (population 338) and Hollywood (population 10,421).
Accident History - In the 1700's, King George II granted 600 acres to Mr. Deakins for a debt. Mr. Deakins could choose anywhere in the State of Maryland. He hired 2 purveyors to search for the right parcel of land. Both came back with the exact same location chosen! Coincidence? Accident? Mr. Deakins named the town Accident. Accident, Maryland
Accident History - In the 1700's, King George II granted 600 acres to Mr. Deakins for a debt. Mr. Deakins could choose anywhere in the State of Maryland. He hired 2 purveyors to search for the right parcel of land. Both came back with the exact same location chosen! Coincidence? Accident? Mr. Deakins named the town Accident. Accident, Maryland
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Hollywood History - In the 1800's there was a General Store along a road. Inside was a small post office needing a city name to operate. The owner, Mr. Thompson, was very fond of a enormous Holly tree in front of his store creating the city name Hollywood. Passing through, no movie star encounters, bright lights or a non-stopping nightlife presence. :) Hollywood, Maryland
Havre de Grace - It was an adventurous day of searching the open waters, peering through coin-operated binoculars, traveling through old stone tunnels, and walking the streets of historic downtown. Be on the lookout for the many street murals including the controversial brothel mural. Definitely make a stop at Bombay Candies for handcrafted chocolates. My favorite was the "Crab" made of caramel and cashews sandwiched between two dollops of dark chocolate. (New Feature - Click on each individual photo)
View from the Shores
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Havre de Grace - Two unbelievable heroic stories in one, comes out of the quaint town of Havre de Grace (Harbor of Grace)! A hidden gem of beauty and tranquility throughout this historic town nestled where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Susquehanna River.
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Assateague Island - There are few places in the United States where you can view wild horses. A road trip to the Assateague Island is a day you will always remember. Thirty-seven miles of beautiful beaches offer these unique, wild horses plenty of free space to be, well, a horse!
Assateague Island - A true hidden gem, long lost and forgotten, exists on an island where wild horses roam the sandy beaches. A 15-mile blacktop road with adjoining 300 lots and 150 side streets was completely destroyed by the Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 on Assateague Island. Today, one can hike atop the slabs of blacktop protruding from the fine, white sands. If you are quiet enough, you will be able to spot seagulls using the abandoned slabs to drop and crack open clams for delicious meals.
Ocean City - Since 1902, the Ocean City Wooden Boardwalk (22 blocks long) offers carnival rides, fun foods and so much history. Check out an 1800's anchor weighing in at 2.5 tons in front of the Life Saving Museum. Inside look for a huge robotic rag doll, Laughing Sal, who used to shake her torso trying to lure people into Jester's Fun House. Definitely one can spend a full day here! The Travel Channel called it, "Americas' Best".
Ocean City - Two tasty, memorable places stand out the most at the Ocean City Boardwalk! Thrashers French Fries continues serving only one item for over 80 years at this location - French Fries. Easy to find as there is always a line for these fried in Peanut Oil French Fries. Don't ask for catsup! On the wooden tables are only bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar. Dolles Candyland continues offering multiple taffy flavors for over 100 years at same location. Grab a bucket and begin filling it up! These two nostalgic establishments are an absolute must to check out.
A head turning moment! Driving down a rural road in Maryland, my eyes are instantly drawn to a most unusual signboard. I smile knowing a new adventure is about to begin, exploring the wonderful coastal state of Maryland.
Salisbury - Two barbershop brothers hand chiseling blocks of cedar wood into counterfeit fowls (duck decoys) when there were not any customers in their barber chairs. Thier unique story is shared in one of the most unusual museums in the world. The Ward Museum of Waterfowl Art houses the largest collection of waterfowl art in the world. The Ward brothers taught themselves by observing the fowl in the nearby marshes of their hometown in Maryland. Recently, one decoy sold for $109,000 to a avid collector. During the early 1900's, these brothers became world known for their expertise in carving counterfeit fowls for duck hunters. In the 1950's, plastic manufacturing took away the need for wooden hand-crafted decoys. The Ward Brothers adapted to the change, by creating beautiful, artistic collector pieces of wooden fowl carvings. One can enjoy their complete story and hundreds of original pieces in the city of Salisbury (pop 33,000) located in the Eastern Shore region of Maryland. A small, growing city with an old-fashioned feeling of traditional America.
Cambridge - Can turn in a breeze! An English style windmill, with 28-foot blades and the entire housing resting on one simple post 10 feet off the ground, is a sight to behold. It was built in 1852 to grind grain by mere wind power. At one time there were 20 in Maryland. Today, this is the only standing. There is a huge lever inside which makes it easy to rotate the entire complex chasing the wind. Also, on the property you will be astonished by an early 1800's cottage and a one-room schoolhouse. A rare find in Maryland!
Church Creek - She was a nurse, scout, and spy during the Civil War era. She led 13 dangerous missions freeing over 70 black slaves. She is considered one of the most courageous freedom fighters in US history. Her life was dedicated in serving people, including donating her home to care for the ill and elderly. Her name is Harriet ("Mama Moses") Tubman. Experience her legacy by visiting the Harriet Tubman Underground State Park located in Church Creek, Maryland. Absolutely beautiful, lifelike bronze statues outline her heroine story in the Visitor Center.
Cambridge - Look and behold the beauty in Cambridge, Maryland. 1) The Choptank River Lighthouse is worth a walk out on the long, wooden pier. 2) The fine-detailed Heritage Mural offers insight to the rich history of one of the oldest black communities in the country dating back to the 1800's. Also, a nostalgic TV star was raised in this quiet, quaint town - the main actress (Beatrice Arthur) in the 1970's sitcom, Maude.
Crisfield - The waterside community of Crisfield is easy to find as their sky reaching tower and massive windmills says it ALL! This southernmost town in Maryland is considered as the "Seafood Capital of the World". Crisfield is most known for the harvesting of Maryland's blue crabs!
Crisfield - The official dessert of Maryland - Smith Island Cake. So sweet and soooo good! Most of the cakes are over 7 layers high with fudge frosting spread in each layer. Today's special was one layer smothered in a bacon frosting at Smith Island Bakery. This family-owned bakery handmakes over 30,000 per year which is 250 a day! When in Maryland, this is a must! Almost every restaurant offers Smith Island Cake on their menu! Oh, soooo good!
Cambridge - Being in the right place at the right time catches this rare moment in Maryland! Meet Bridget Cimino the street artist. A vibrant mural honoring 12 women who have made an impact on the community. So much fun to witness the creation of such a beautiful piece of art located in downtown Cambridge. The newest mural of 20 added to the Dorchester County.
Cambridge - Was it stolen? Was it a gift? Was it considered a memento from a battle during the Mexican War (1846-1848)? No one knows for sure. We do know this huge bell originally hung in a monastery in Mexico until 1846. At that time, it was brought to America and used as a fire alarm in the city of Cambridge until 1883. It is just one of the eight historical markers in walking distance of the Dorchester County Courthouse.
Small Town Maryland - Back roads lead us to small towns offering so much character. Simple, old homes, large barns and even vintage vehicles are waiting to be discovered.
