ALCO Visitor Guide 2025 Paperturn - Flipbook - Page 30
History & Herıtage
JOURNEY BACK IN TIME
A
merica’s early transportation milestones
are woven into the rivers, rails, trails,
mountains, and towns of Allegany County, MD.
This region, home to the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s final stop, Mile
Marker “0” of the National Road, and a major crossroad for rail development,
served as an industrial powerhouse during the nation’s rise, exporting
coal, ore, and timber. Before the Industrial Revolution, the county’s unique
topography naturally guided westward exploration and migration.
Today, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad invites you to relive this history
aboard its scenic heritage excursion from Cumberland to Frostburg and back.
Discover George Washington’s legacy along the driveable George Washington
Trail 1753, or pick up a historic walking tour map to explore downtown
Cumberland’s storied past through its architecture. Visit remote communities like
Oldtown—an early trading post along Chief Nemacolin’s Trail, a path forged by
hereditary Chief Nemacolin of the Delaware Nation that connected presentday Cumberland to Brownsville, PA, and served as the inspired route for the
National Road. Or journey to small towns like Mount Savage and Lonaconing
to experience the rich history of coal mining and iron rail production.
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2025 Destination Guide
Let Mountain Maryland’s
museums and historic
sites transport you
through three centuries of
American history, exploring
Allegany County’s vital
role in the industrial
development of our nation.
