Frederick’s rich history began in the pre-colonial era when European traders and explorers identified the region as a crossroads. Native Americans lived in the region before the earliest Europeans settled slightly north of Frederick in Monaco, a former village in Frederick County. Frederick town became the county seat of Frederick County in 1748. Frederick became an important location where German, Irish, Scottish, and French immigrants stopped before continuing their journey. It was a stop along the Great Wagon Road, and some immigrants made Frederick their permanent destination. English immigrants and colonists also settled in the region during the 18th and 19th centuries. In the 19th century, Frederick was a dominant market town, and it became famous because of religious pluralism. During the construction of the National Road, the “National Pike” passed through the city, and more infrastructure influenced its growth. Frederick was also one of the leading mining regions in the 19th century. The city played a significant role during the American Civil War, and it has become famous for its Civil War sites that attract people from all over the country. Frederick experienced considerable growth after the war, and it is the second-largest incorporated city in Maryland. The city’s rich history of religious pluralism and the Civil War attracts many people from the region and nationwide.

Frederick’s residents and visitors will never lack something to do throughout the year because the city is home to many attractions, events, recreational facilities, and festivals. The first thing you should do is visit the city’s Historic Downtown and go on a walking tour. You will explore art, architecture, Civil War history, and African American history and have an overview of the historic district.

You will experience the best outdoor activities at the Catoctin Mountain Park, 5,770 acres of a natural wonderland. Explore the area on foot, car, or bicycle and enjoy the 25 miles of hiking trails, camp and fly-fish in the summer, or cross-country skiing during the winter.

You can also experience other outdoor activities such as picnicking and recreation with family at the Cunningham Falls State Park, 6,000 acres featuring a 78-foot cascading waterfall, lake, campsite, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

History enthusiasts should not miss a tour of the Monocacy National Battlefield, a famous Civil War site. It is one of Maryland’s notable historical attractions, where the Battle of Monocacy Junction took place.

Proceed to visit the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in downtown Frederick, featuring more than five galleries and 1,200 artifacts illustrating the medical story of the Civil War. You will learn about the history of technology and medical care relating to the military and the wounded soldiers.