Historic Towns in Garrett County
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Accident (Flowery Vale)
How did Accident get its unusual name? There are several accounts, but the following one seems the most plausible. When Lord Baltimore
opened Western Maryland for settlement in 1774, William Deakins and Brooke Beall set out to survey land. When the work was completed, the
men discovered that they had selected the same tract to survey. One of them repeatedly stated that it appeared they had selected the same land
"by accident." The oldest known structure in Accident offers a glimpse into the town's past: the Drane House was built in 1797. It is one of the few
original frontier plantation homes remaining on Maryland's tableland and is representative of the area's tobacco-growing days. Today,
community parks offer Accident's residents and visitors a fishing pond, pavilion, Little League field, walking trail and other amenities. "Accident's
4th of July Homecoming" draws crowds, locals, their relatives, and past residents, who gather to enjoy a parade, concerts, games and good
food.
Elevation: 2,415 feet
Mayor: Richard W Carlson
Phone Number: (301) 746-6346
How did Accident get its unusual name? There are several accounts, but the following one seems the most plausible. When Lord Baltimore
opened Western Maryland for settlement in 1774, William Deakins and Brooke Beall set out to survey land. When the work was completed, the
men discovered that they had selected the same tract to survey. One of them repeatedly stated that it appeared they had selected the same land
"by accident." The oldest known structure in Accident offers a glimpse into the town's past: the Drane House was built in 1797. It is one of the few
original frontier plantation homes remaining on Maryland's tableland and is representative of the area's tobacco-growing days. Today,
community parks offer Accident's residents and visitors a fishing pond, pavilion, Little League field, walking trail and other amenities. "Accident's
4th of July Homecoming" draws crowds, locals, their relatives, and past residents, who gather to enjoy a parade, concerts, games and good
food.
Elevation: 2,415 feet
Mayor: Richard W Carlson
Phone Number: (301) 746-6346
Deer Park
Once famous for its luxurious resort hotel, the small town of Deer Park is again poised for growth. An increasing number of homes and historic
buildings are being restored. Deer Park traces its history back 1774, when a 2,000-acre tract was surveyed and patented in that name to A.
Stewart. The town grew rapidly in the mid-1880s as the B&O Railroad carried wealthy summer vacationers from Baltimore and Washington to
enjoy the cool mountain air. Many ended up staying in the newly opened (1872) Deer Park Hotel, with as many as 300 rooms to accommodate
these prestigious visitors, including several large, ornate "cottages" built just for them. The day after their wedding at the White House in 1886,
President Grover Cleveland and his bride arrived in Deer Park for their honeymoon. Today, the Deer Park Inn Bed and Breakfast continues the
tradition with an elegant restaurant featuring authentic French cuisine. Though the historic hotel is long gone, numerous other gracious homes
remain today. Deer Park is the home of The Flying Scot Sailboat Company, which manufactures handcrafted state-of-the-art fiberglass sailboats
that are sold worldwide; it's also the source of the pure, natural, Deer Park Natural Spring Water.
Elevation: 2,441 feet
Mayor: Donald E Dawson
Phone Number: (301) 334-4531
Once famous for its luxurious resort hotel, the small town of Deer Park is again poised for growth. An increasing number of homes and historic
buildings are being restored. Deer Park traces its history back 1774, when a 2,000-acre tract was surveyed and patented in that name to A.
Stewart. The town grew rapidly in the mid-1880s as the B&O Railroad carried wealthy summer vacationers from Baltimore and Washington to
enjoy the cool mountain air. Many ended up staying in the newly opened (1872) Deer Park Hotel, with as many as 300 rooms to accommodate
these prestigious visitors, including several large, ornate "cottages" built just for them. The day after their wedding at the White House in 1886,
President Grover Cleveland and his bride arrived in Deer Park for their honeymoon. Today, the Deer Park Inn Bed and Breakfast continues the
tradition with an elegant restaurant featuring authentic French cuisine. Though the historic hotel is long gone, numerous other gracious homes
remain today. Deer Park is the home of The Flying Scot Sailboat Company, which manufactures handcrafted state-of-the-art fiberglass sailboats
that are sold worldwide; it's also the source of the pure, natural, Deer Park Natural Spring Water.
Elevation: 2,441 feet
Mayor: Donald E Dawson
Phone Number: (301) 334-4531
Friendsville
The site of the first settlement (Selbysport is the oldest town) in Garrett County, Friendsville was named for John Friend, Sr., who came to the
area in 1765 and bought land from the Native Americans. When the C & O Railroad was built a century later, in 1890, the town became and
important shipping point for lumber products. Friendsville, with its prime location along the Youghiogheny Rive, is now most noted for its prime
location along the Youghiogheny River, is now most noted for its adventure sports, which includes excellent whitewater and hiking opportunities
at the foot of the Youghiogheny corridor just above the Yough Dam. Major businesses located in Friendsville include Precision Rafting and
Demaree Inflatable Rafts. Friendsville is also the home of the Friend Family Association's National Heritage Museum and Library, the
Friendsville Days summer celebration, and an annual fiddle and banjo competition.
Elevation: 1,549 feet
Mayor: Spencer Schlosnagle
Phone Number: (301) 746-5919
Email: townoffriendsville@qcol.net
The site of the first settlement (Selbysport is the oldest town) in Garrett County, Friendsville was named for John Friend, Sr., who came to the
area in 1765 and bought land from the Native Americans. When the C & O Railroad was built a century later, in 1890, the town became and
important shipping point for lumber products. Friendsville, with its prime location along the Youghiogheny Rive, is now most noted for its prime
location along the Youghiogheny River, is now most noted for its adventure sports, which includes excellent whitewater and hiking opportunities
at the foot of the Youghiogheny corridor just above the Yough Dam. Major businesses located in Friendsville include Precision Rafting and
Demaree Inflatable Rafts. Friendsville is also the home of the Friend Family Association's National Heritage Museum and Library, the
Friendsville Days summer celebration, and an annual fiddle and banjo competition.
Elevation: 1,549 feet
Mayor: Spencer Schlosnagle
Phone Number: (301) 746-5919
Email: townoffriendsville@qcol.net
Grantsville
Grantsville started out with another name in the 18th century. Baltimore innkeeper Daniel Grant was awarded a land grant in 1785; a decade
later, in 1796, he moved to a spot in Northern Garrett County called Cornucopia. There he established Grant's Village, settling along the route
constructed by General Braddock's troops during the French and Indian War. The Historic National Road was later built along this same route to
carry the traffic and commerce of a growing nation. The nearby Casselman Bridge, built on the National Road in 1813 and still standing, was the
largest single-span stone arch bridge of it's time. An 1818 stagecoach stop in Grantsville now houses a restaurant and craft shop. At the
adjacent Spruce Artisan Village, visitors can tour log cabins, schoolhouses, a church and other rustic buildings, which house a variety of working
artisans.
Elevation: 2,414 feet
Mayor: Paul C Edwards
Phone: (301) 895-3144
Grantsville started out with another name in the 18th century. Baltimore innkeeper Daniel Grant was awarded a land grant in 1785; a decade
later, in 1796, he moved to a spot in Northern Garrett County called Cornucopia. There he established Grant's Village, settling along the route
constructed by General Braddock's troops during the French and Indian War. The Historic National Road was later built along this same route to
carry the traffic and commerce of a growing nation. The nearby Casselman Bridge, built on the National Road in 1813 and still standing, was the
largest single-span stone arch bridge of it's time. An 1818 stagecoach stop in Grantsville now houses a restaurant and craft shop. At the
adjacent Spruce Artisan Village, visitors can tour log cabins, schoolhouses, a church and other rustic buildings, which house a variety of working
artisans.
Elevation: 2,414 feet
Mayor: Paul C Edwards
Phone: (301) 895-3144
Kitzmiller
Once a booming company town, Kitzmiller was one of the largest producers and shippers of coal in Garrett County. Today, citizens of Kitzmiller
continue to enjoy their town's rich history, especially as they celebrate the town's "homecoming" each July. Sitting on the North Branch of the
Potomac River, Kitzmiller provides visitors and residents with many recreational opportunities: Sportsmen can enjoy fishing in the river while
others may prefer a picnic in the park and a stroll through the botanical garden. The town's river walk creates a scenic view for bicyclists, skaters
and hikers, who often head off into the wilds along the North Branch. Basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and a volleyball court are also available
in the town's parks. The mayor and town council are in the process of restoring the Kitzmiller Company Store, which will also be used as a
visitors information center.
Elevation: 1,564 feet
Mayor: Jim Browning
Phone Number: (301) 453-3449
Once a booming company town, Kitzmiller was one of the largest producers and shippers of coal in Garrett County. Today, citizens of Kitzmiller
continue to enjoy their town's rich history, especially as they celebrate the town's "homecoming" each July. Sitting on the North Branch of the
Potomac River, Kitzmiller provides visitors and residents with many recreational opportunities: Sportsmen can enjoy fishing in the river while
others may prefer a picnic in the park and a stroll through the botanical garden. The town's river walk creates a scenic view for bicyclists, skaters
and hikers, who often head off into the wilds along the North Branch. Basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and a volleyball court are also available
in the town's parks. The mayor and town council are in the process of restoring the Kitzmiller Company Store, which will also be used as a
visitors information center.
Elevation: 1,564 feet
Mayor: Jim Browning
Phone Number: (301) 453-3449
Loch Lynn Heights
Loch Lynn Heights flourished as a resort area during the heyday of the B & O Railroad. Trains would stop at the station in Loch Lynn Heights,
bringing guests from the Baltimore/Washington area to the mountaintop's luxury hotels, especially the Loch Lynn Hotel (the largest) with its indoor
swimming pool and bowling alleys in an adjacent casino. Fire destroyed this lavish resort in 1918. Today, Loch Lynn Heights is a family focused
community, boasting recreational facilities including a playground, three soccer fields, two softball fields and a concession stand with rest
facilities. A community building includes an auditorium, plus an outdoor pavilion with rest facilities and a playground for children. Loch Lynn
Heights is home to Radio FX which include WKHJ, WMSG and The Train.
Elevation: 2,438 feet
Mayor: Larry Friend
Phone Number: (301) 334-8339
Loch Lynn Heights flourished as a resort area during the heyday of the B & O Railroad. Trains would stop at the station in Loch Lynn Heights,
bringing guests from the Baltimore/Washington area to the mountaintop's luxury hotels, especially the Loch Lynn Hotel (the largest) with its indoor
swimming pool and bowling alleys in an adjacent casino. Fire destroyed this lavish resort in 1918. Today, Loch Lynn Heights is a family focused
community, boasting recreational facilities including a playground, three soccer fields, two softball fields and a concession stand with rest
facilities. A community building includes an auditorium, plus an outdoor pavilion with rest facilities and a playground for children. Loch Lynn
Heights is home to Radio FX which include WKHJ, WMSG and The Train.
Elevation: 2,438 feet
Mayor: Larry Friend
Phone Number: (301) 334-8339
Mountain Lake Park
Established in 1881, Mountain Lake Park observed two milestone anniversaries recently: its founding 125 years ago, and its incorporation 50
years later. Originally envisioned as a Chautauqua-style summer resort, the town saw thousands of visitors from throughout the region from 1882
until 1942. They would visit the Park to enjoy the cool, clean mountain air and the numerous cultural, educational and recreational activities
offered by the Chautauqua program. The B & O Railroad provided convenient escape from hot summers in the Baltimore/Washington area,
even for the notables including President William Howard Taft, Mark Twain, William Jennings Bryan, and evangelist Billy Sunday. Today,
Mountain Lake Park is a quiet residential community, noted for its unique character and rich variety of Victorian homes (many listed on the
National Register of Historic Places). For the past eighty-three years, Mountain Lake Park also has been the home of the Western Maryland
Clay Court Tennis Championships, held in August.
Elevation: 2,466 feet
Mayor: Britten L. Martin
Phone Number: (301) 334-2250
Established in 1881, Mountain Lake Park observed two milestone anniversaries recently: its founding 125 years ago, and its incorporation 50
years later. Originally envisioned as a Chautauqua-style summer resort, the town saw thousands of visitors from throughout the region from 1882
until 1942. They would visit the Park to enjoy the cool, clean mountain air and the numerous cultural, educational and recreational activities
offered by the Chautauqua program. The B & O Railroad provided convenient escape from hot summers in the Baltimore/Washington area,
even for the notables including President William Howard Taft, Mark Twain, William Jennings Bryan, and evangelist Billy Sunday. Today,
Mountain Lake Park is a quiet residential community, noted for its unique character and rich variety of Victorian homes (many listed on the
National Register of Historic Places). For the past eighty-three years, Mountain Lake Park also has been the home of the Western Maryland
Clay Court Tennis Championships, held in August.
Elevation: 2,466 feet
Mayor: Britten L. Martin
Phone Number: (301) 334-2250
Oakland
The National Historic Trust designated Oakland as a National Main Street Community in 1998; with its predominant Victorian sections, it has
also been recognized as a "Preserve America" Community. The 1884 Queen Anne-style B & O Train Station is one of the architectural and
historic centerpieces of the town. The Farmers Market regularly takes over the central outdoor pavilion, also the host of many special events, like
the Little Yough Summer Music Festival; a handicapped-accessible fishing pier, kayak and canoe launch, and fitness trail (according easy
access to downtown are nearby. Strollers can enjoy the Garrett County Historical Society Museum, numerous business and specialty retail
shops, restaurants, the historic Oakland Hotel site, and a pedestrian bridge over the headwaters of the Little Youghiogheny River and
Washington Spring (George Washiongton allegedly drank from this spot.). Oakland's parks welcome many for outdoor recreation. Oakland
also boasts an 18-hole championship golf course with a pro shop, dining facilities and clubhouse. Serving as Garrett County's seat, this town
offers some unique business opportunities through the Main Street program, in association with the Greater Oakland Business Association
(GOBA).
Elevation: 2,534 feet
Mayor: Asa M McCain
Phone Number: (301) 334-2691
The National Historic Trust designated Oakland as a National Main Street Community in 1998; with its predominant Victorian sections, it has
also been recognized as a "Preserve America" Community. The 1884 Queen Anne-style B & O Train Station is one of the architectural and
historic centerpieces of the town. The Farmers Market regularly takes over the central outdoor pavilion, also the host of many special events, like
the Little Yough Summer Music Festival; a handicapped-accessible fishing pier, kayak and canoe launch, and fitness trail (according easy
access to downtown are nearby. Strollers can enjoy the Garrett County Historical Society Museum, numerous business and specialty retail
shops, restaurants, the historic Oakland Hotel site, and a pedestrian bridge over the headwaters of the Little Youghiogheny River and
Washington Spring (George Washiongton allegedly drank from this spot.). Oakland's parks welcome many for outdoor recreation. Oakland
also boasts an 18-hole championship golf course with a pro shop, dining facilities and clubhouse. Serving as Garrett County's seat, this town
offers some unique business opportunities through the Main Street program, in association with the Greater Oakland Business Association
(GOBA).
Elevation: 2,534 feet
Mayor: Asa M McCain
Phone Number: (301) 334-2691
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