Fort Frederick State Park

 Over the weekend we explored Fort Frederick State Park in Big Pool, Maryland.  This delightful spot is out in the panhandle of the state, on the Potomac River and 15 miles south of the Pennsylvania border.  It is the only Stone Fort built by the British in North America.  It was built before the French and Indian War (Fun fact: The French and Indian War is considered to be the very first "World War".)  

The site itself is full of history.  It was used as a POW Camp during the Revolutionary War by the American Army.  George Washington slept here at least twice.  It was bought by a black family - the Williams family in the 1800's. The Williams family used this land as a stop on the Underground Railroad, and later it was the site of one of the first Black Schools in Washington County. It was sold in the 1900's, and bought by the state.  It was the home of a Civilian Conservation Corps campground during the Depression.  Eventually, it was turned into a  State Park.  

In addition to the fort, this state park also has several beautiful hiking trails, and it intersects with the C&O Canal trail. 

This is one of the points inside of the star of the fort. According to that nifty sign,

there was an earthen fill around the top that was high enough to hold a cannon.

 

Entrance to the Fort.   The only way in/out was through this door.

 

One of the lovely trails.

 

This was my favorite trail!  In the picture below, you can see the beaver  dam.