Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway
Places to Visit
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The capital city of the United States of America, Washington DC is known for its wealth of museums, parks and politics.
Location: On the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia.
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The Barbara Fritchie House preserves the personal effects and memory of Barbara Fritchie, the 95-year-old Civil-War-era patriot and star of John Greenleaf Whittier's poem about Stonewall Jackson's march through Frederick, Maryland.
Location: 154 W. Patrick St.
Frederick, MD 21701 -
A once active iron-producing complex, Catoctin Furnace, at Cunningham Falls State Park near Thurmont, Maryland, is a testament to the region’s earliest endeavors to create an industrial revolution. Here, Thomas Johnson produced iron for munitions for the Continental Army.
Distance from byway: 0.7 mi / 1.1 km Travel time: 2 minutes Directions: Turn off US-15 South onto Catoctin Furnace Road/MD-806 and proceed 2 minutes to the Furnace.
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Catoctin Mountain Orchard (MD)
Experience farming heritage and to purchase locally grown produce, including apples, jams, jellies, and pies.The backdrop of Catoctin Mountain provides one of the most scenic views along Route 15 in Maryland.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: From US-15, turn right on North Franklin Road. Go 300 feet to the orchard parking lot. Travel time is less than a minute. There is a large sign advertising the Catoctin Mountain Orchard, clearly visible from the byway.
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In the 1930s, after years of making charcoal to fuel the Catoctin Iron furnace, the land here was purchased to be transformed into a productive recreation area, helping put people back to work during the Great Depression.
Distance from byway: 2.7 mi / 4.3 km Travel time: 5 minutes Directions: The Catoctin Mountain Park Visitors Center is a five-minute drive from the byway. As you approach Thurmont, turn on Foxville Rd/MD-77. At Park Central Road turn right and the Visitors Center is immediately on the right. Signage to the Park exists on US-15, and there are signs to the Visitors Center as well.
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Designated as one of America's "Dozen Distinct Destinations" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2002, thousands flock to Frederick's 50-block historic district every week to take in its breathtaking 18th- and 19th-century architecture.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Business US-15 runs right through the historic district. US-15 and Church Street is the major downtown intersection.
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C&O Canal National Historical Park - Potomac (MD)
The C&O Canal National Historical Park preserves an early 19th Century canal.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Along US-15 just before it crosses the Potomac River into Virginia. The C&O Park is immediately adjacent to the river.
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The Cozy Inn is a favorite with local residents and visitors, particularly the news crews who cover the President when he is at Camp David. A wide variety of country food is available both from the menu and from the popular buffet. Within the inn is a small museum devoted to the history and culture of the presidential retreat, Camp David.
Location: 103 Frederick Road in Thurmont
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Cunningham Falls State Park (MD)
Cunningham Falls State Park, located in the Catoctin Mountains, is known for its history, scenic beauty, and its 78-foot cascading waterfall.
Distance from byway: 4 mi / 6.4 km Travel time: 6 minutes Directions: The Houck Area is west of Thurmont. From the byway, follow MD-77 west, four miles to Catoctin Hollow Road.
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Fountain Rock Park & Nature Center (MD)
The park lies near one of Maryland’s most important Native American habitation sites with archaeological evidence of multiple settlements dating back to about 1000 A.D. Visit the 22.5-acre Fountain Rock Park & Nature Center, which contains one of the state’s strongest springs, six historic lime kilns, and overlooks a water-filled quarry that supports the locale’s animal inhabitants. The Nature Center features several programs and exhibits for kids and adults alike.
Location: 8516 Fountain Rock Ct.
Walkersville, MD 21793
