Fort Cumberland Trail
This walking trail covers several city blocks in downtown
Cumberland Maryland. The fort played a significant role in the
French and Indian War. A few hours or a full day can be spent on
the trail to fully appreciate the history of the fort and it
garrison, the French and Indian War, the development of Cumberland,
and the city’s role in the development of our nation. The trail
includes with rock boundary markers designating the approximate
locations of the angles of the old fort. 1 audio unit and number
narrative plaques or markers a reconstructed section of fort
palisades, and the restored headquarters cabin of Colonel George
Washington. The fort site and its grounds are bound by Washington,
Green and W. Prospect streets and the adjoining lane. Col. George
Washington Headquarters 1755. Is a one-room cabin, where young
George Washington assumed his first military command. The cabin is
open on Washington’s Birthday and during Heritage Days Festival in
Mid June. One can always view the inside furnishings through the
plexi – glass window and listen to the history of the cabin by
means of an interpretive tape system located on the porch of the
cabin. The cabin is located in Riverside Park on Green Street.
George Washington’s Headquarters is the only remaining structure
left of Fort Cumberland, except for the trenches under the Emmanuel
Church (1849) which was built on the site of Fort Cumberland.
Fort Cumberland played a significant role during the French and
Indian War (1756 – 1763), primarily as a depot and rallying point
for British and colonial supplies and troops headed for the Ohio
Valley to fight against the French and Indians. It also served as a
forward military outpost for gathering intelligence of enemy
activity.
The fort was built as a direct result of hostilities between the
French and British over control of the Ohio Valley. Colonel James
Innes and his command built it during the winter of 1754 – 1755.
Named in honor of the Duke of Cumberland – son of King George II of
the Great Britain, the Fort was garrisoned until 1765. During this
period, hostile Indians roamed the area forcing settlers to flee
eastward to safety. Skirmishes between Indians and white settlers
and soldiers took place near the fort and near by streams. Although
the fort never underwent a large-scale attack from the enemy, duty
there was considered hazardous.
Colonel George Washington spent a good deal of time here and in
nearby areas as commander of the Virginia military forces. Both
Washington and General Edward Braddock left from Fort Cumberland
for expeditions against the French and Indians.
In 1794, President George Washington came to the fort site. He
inspected troops gathered here to suppress the Whiskey Rebellion in
nearby Berlin, Pennsylvania (See www.Geocaching .com Sin Tax
Virtual Cache by Garmen (&Women) Group N 39.55.260 W 078.57
513. Washington began and ended his active military career at Fort
Cumberland, and at one time, our city and county were both named
for Washington "Washington Town and Washington County." While you
are visiting this cache. I have added another portion to the cache.
You may want to park at N 39.38.965 W079.45.786 While there you
need to answer this question. When the C&O Canal was complete
enough water flowed in the canal to fill how many bathtubs? Email
me with the correct answer. Hint the answer is located in the
Visitors Center C&O Canal National Historical Park. Good
luck!!