History of Frederick 

Step into centuries of stories, discovering facts you never learned in history class and gaining new perspectives on the past. Use this guide to find interesting and exciting ways to dive into Frederick County's rich history and culture.


 

Walk Where History Happened 

Did you know more than 8,000 wounded soldiers were brought to Downtown Frederick after the Battle of Antietam in 1862? Listen to the stories of surgeons, soldiers, and civilians impacted by those historic events on the One Vast Hospital Walking Tour hosted by the National Museum of Civil War Medicine each weekend. You’ll explore the churches and buildings that served as makeshift hospitals. In town during the week? Contact the Museum and book your own walking tour. 

 

Walking Guide with group on One Vast Hospital Walking Tour

 

Gain insights into the history of Frederick through the perspectives of the city’s Black community on a guided walking tour hosted by the AARCH Society. The tour features important sites on All Saints Street, the historic heart of African American life in Frederick County. 

 

Dee Jenkins leading a walking tour for AARCH Society


 

Get Industrial 

The Museum of the Ironworker at Catoctin Furnace near Thurmont tells the overarching story of Maryland’s iron production and its impact on our nation's industrial development while offering insights into the difficult lives of furnace workers.

 

Museum of the Ironworker Social

 

Enjoy one of their newest experiences - spend the night in the historic village at the Forgeman’s House. 

 

Exterior of the Forgeman's House at Catoctin Furnace

 


 

See What’s New 

Find more than battle facts among newly-installed exhibits highlight the history of Monocacy National Battlefield. Visit the 1760s Tenant House on Thomas Farm and learn more about the people who lived and worked there, including French immigrants, free and enslaved African Americans, farmers, and millers. 

 

Inside of the tenant house at Monocacy National Battlefield


 

Tour a Historic Home & Garden

Step back in time as you cross the threshold of Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, the oldest home in the City of Frederick. Schifferstadt is one of the finest examples of German colonial architecture in the United States. Pick up a souvenir from the museum store, stroll through the beautiful heritage garden, and come back in October to experience their beloved Oktoberfest celebration. 

 

Schifferstadt Architectural Museum garden


 

Investigate the Past

Go sleuthing on the Heart of the Civil War GeoTrail, a unique way of interacting with the past that investigators of all ages and abilities will enjoy. Keep an eye out - you’ll find plenty of restaurants and ice cream stops along the way.

 

Heart of the Civil War Geotrail Passport

 

Explore More Frederick County History