washington monument.jpg
Washington Monument built 1827

Tourism & Accommodation

Boonsborough Museum of History - Respected as one the finest private museums in the region, the Boonsborough Museum houses an extensive Civil War collection that includes items from the Antietam and Gettysburg Campaigns, as well as historical items pertaining to Boonsboro's history.  Located at 113 North Main Street, this beautiful collection is owned and maintained by Doug Bast, local historian. Open to the public May through September on Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM, or by appointment. Please click here for additional information.

William Boone Family Gravesite - William Boone, one of the co-founders of Boonsboro, is buried in a gravesite behind the Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ. In 1791, William acquired Fellowship, an adjacent 140-acre tract from Valentine Nicodemus. This property lay at the intersection of the wagon road connecting Fredericktown and Hagerstown and a secondary road branching off to Sharpsburg. Because of this prime location, William and his brother George envisioned establishing a town. A year later, in 1792, the brothers laid out 44 half-acre lots, 22 on each side of the main wagon road, with the town square at the intersection with the road to Sharpsburg. Many of the early residents of Boonsboro were merchants and land speculators. The Boone farmhouse stood behind today’s Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ and, on his death, William was buried on his property. Four years later in 1802, when the planning and construction of the Salem Church (also known as the Old Stone Church) began on land acquired from the William Boone family, the Old Salem Graveyard was established. William and Susanna’s graves are located in the northwest corner of the cemetery at the rear of Trinity United Church of Christ. Her headstone reads, “Susanna Boone, Proprietress of Boonesboro.” The gravesite if located to the rear of 33 Potomac Street and is open to the public. 

Boonsboro Trolley Museum - The Trolley Museum is located at the intersection of North Main Street and Shafer Park Drive. The original building has been restored and was the Boonsboro Trolley Stations from 1902 to 1938. It is the last remaining trolley station is Washington County. The museum was dedicated September 12, 2009 and houses trolley artifacts and photos. Open to the public May through October on the 4th Sunday of the month from 2 PM to 5 PM, or by appointment. Call 301-432-7030. Please click here for additional information.

Bowman House and Boonsboro Historical Society - The Bowman House, built by Jacob Powles during the first half of the 19th century, is typical of log houses built in Western Maryland. In 1868, John E. Bowman purchased the log house and established the Boonsboro Pottery. His kiln was about 75 feet to the rear of the building. The pottery closed in 1908, succumbing to mass-produced materials. The building is now the office of the Boonsboro Historical Society. Located at 323 North Main Street. Open April to October on the fourth Sundays, 2PM to 4:30PM. Call 301-432-5889.

Washington Monument State Park - On the summit of South Mountain, a spur of the Blue Ridge chain, stands the rugged stone tower known as The Washington Monument, the first monument dedicated to the memory of George Washington. Rising majestically to a height of 34 feet, the tower was built by the citizens of the village of Boonsboro in 1827. It has been said, "As monuments go, none was ever built with purer or more reverent patriotism."  Washington Monument State Park is located in Washington County, 4 miles east of Boonsboro, off Alternate Route 40.  The Appalachian Trail winds through this park and passes the base of the monument.  Washington Monument State Park offers an accessible picnic area, playground and museum. Please click here for additional information.

The 13th North Carolina Company B Memorial - The members of the 13th North Carolina Troops Company B, spear headed the erection of a monument to the North Carolina Troops who fought at the battle of South Mountain Maryland. The North Carolina Monument is located at Fox's Gap on the Reno Monument Road just east of Boonsboro. The General Garland Trail meanders over 1,100 feet of very easy flat walking trails with historic signs along the way to the North Carolina Monument. The monument is a tribute to all the North Carolinian's who fought and died at South Mountain. Please click here for additional information.


Greenbrier State Park -
Greenbrier is a multi-use park providing many kinds of recreation. The Appalachian Trail passes through the park. The 42-acre man-made lake and beach draw many visitors who enjoy swimming, canoeing, hiking, picnicking, fishing and hunting. Located on US40, this state park offers many recreational opportunities. Picnic tables, grills, playgrounds and four lakefront rental gazebos are available in the day use area. The Park offers campsites conveniently located near bathhouses with hot showers. Reservations may be made by calling 1-888-432-2267.  Park opens daily, 8 AM to sunset. Please click here for additional information.

South Mountain State Park - Located on the Ridge of South Mountain, the South Mountain State Park extends the length of the mountain from Pen-Mar to Weverton. There are only a few campsites located in the shelters that line the trails. However, by following this trail, you will come upon the Appalachian Trail, which provides a myriad of hiking and camping possibilities. Hike along 40 miles of the 2,050-mile long Appalachian Trail and reflect on the Civil War Battle of South Mountain fought here in September 1862. Please click here for additional information.

War Correspondents ArchGathland State Park was once the mountain home of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War journalist. It is the site of a unique collection of buildings and structures that he designed and constructed, some of which have been restored. A large, stone monument dedicated to war correspondents is an outstanding attraction. The Appalachian Trail traverses the park and passes the monument base. Maryland has 41 miles of the interstate hiking trail.  This park only lies one mile east of Maryland 67, just south of Boonsboro on Gapland Road. There are various trails that are suitable for hiking, all leading to beautiful picnic grounds. There are ongoing Civil War re-enactments throughout the summer. The annual "Living History" weekend annually occurs the first weekend after Labor Day and portrays various aspects of the soldiers' life including infantry, cavalry, and artillery demonstrations. Please click here for additional information.

Antietam National Battlefield - One of America's best-preserved battlefields, Antietam was the site of the bloodiest one-day battle in United State's history. On September 17, 1862, more than 23,000 men were killed, wounded, captured or missing in General Rober tE.Lee's first invasion of the North.  The eight and one-half mile driving tour highlights historic Dunker Church, Bloody Lane, Burnside Bridge, more than 350 monuments, tablets and markers, and 41 cannons. Also located on the grounds is the National Cemetery, the final resting place for 4776 Union soldiers (1,836 unknown) who lost their lives at South Mountain, Antietam, Monocacy and other battles in the area. Please click here for additional information.

Crystal Grottoes Caverns - The Caverns features many pure white-colored stalactites and stalagmites; natural sculptures and other formations can be seen from illuminated walkways, including 'Old Father Time,' and 'The King on His Throne'. Guided tours explain the history, formations, and geological aspects of the caverns. Located at 19821 Shepherdstown Pike in Boonsboro. Open daily 9 AM to 6 PM April through October, and weekends 11 AM to 4 PM November through March. Please click here for additional information.

River & Trails Outfitters - River & Trail offers guided whitewater rafting, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, climbing, cycling and hiking trips in the historic Harpers Ferry area. River trips and lessons take place in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia on the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers and Antietam Creek. Please click here for additional information.

Elk Mountain Trails - Come ride the trails of historic Harper's Ferry. Elk Mountain Trails takes you on horseback through the Blue Ridge Mountains or the banks of the Potomac River. You'll ride the C&O Canal past the antiquated locks and lock houses of yesteryear, through a wilderness abundant with deer, birds and wildlife. Take home a memory of our magical past with all its beauty and excitement. Please click here for additional information.

Shepherdstown Pedal & Paddle - Shepherdstown Pedal & Paddle is a full service bicycle, canoe and kayak shop located in beautiful Shepherdstown, West Virginia. They offer rentals of bicycles for riding on the C&O Canal bike path and Antietam Battlefield. Their rental fleet includes mountain bikes, kids bikes, comfort bikes, and road bikes. They also rent canoes, kayaks and float tubes for paddling a peaceful section of the Potomac River. Please click here for additional information.

Visit Hagerstown and Washington County Hagerstown, Washington County Tourism Website