This tiny park is a fascinating tribute to a profession that doesn't lend itself to many memorials: that of war correspondents. Civil War correspondent and man of letters George Alfred Townsend fell in love with these mountains and built an impressive arch decorated with classical Greek mythological features and quotes that emphasize the qualities of a good war correspondent.
Gathland State Park
Western Maryland
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
15.74 MILES
A relative newcomer to the Loudon district, this solar-powered 20-acre winery in the Waterford Cluster incorporates meticulously restored and rebuilt…
14.63 MILES
On a bluff overlooking the Potomac, this 475-acre estate is one of the most attractive vineyards in Virginia. The winery has a 6000-sq-ft cave/cellar, and…
12.91 MILES
The best-known vineyard in the Loudoun Heights cluster, Breaux produces a wide range of wines, the best of which are the the Madeleine Chardonnay and the…
Harpers Ferry National Historic Park
8.74 MILES
Historic buildings and museums are accessible to those with passes, which can be found, along with parking and shuttles, north of town at the Harpers…
7.35 MILES
The site of the bloodiest day in American history is now, ironically, supremely peaceful, quiet and haunting – and uncluttered, save for plaques and…
12.44 MILES
Originally a flood control project, this mile-long walking path stretches along Carroll Creek between S Bentz St and S East St, all just south of the…
7.4 MILES
At the southern end of Potomac St, just a few steps from the lower town, take in a view of three states – Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia – from the…
7.44 MILES
Across from Arsenal Sq and one of the park's museums, this three-room gallery gives a fine overview (through videos and period relics) of the events…
Nearby Western Maryland attractions
1. Brunswick Visitor Center & Rail Museum
6.41 MILES
The C&O Canal's little Brunswick Visitor Center doubles as the Brunswick Rail Museum. As quiet as this town is, it was once home to the largest rail yard …
2. Antietam National Battlefield
7.35 MILES
The site of the bloodiest day in American history is now, ironically, supremely peaceful, quiet and haunting – and uncluttered, save for plaques and…
7.4 MILES
At the southern end of Potomac St, just a few steps from the lower town, take in a view of three states – Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia – from the…
7.44 MILES
Across from Arsenal Sq and one of the park's museums, this three-room gallery gives a fine overview (through videos and period relics) of the events…
7.45 MILES
Not to be confused with the National Park–run museum, this private wax museum is a kitschy (and rather overpriced) attraction that pays tribute to the man…
6. Storer College & Niagara Movement
7.45 MILES
Part of the national park, this small exhibit gives an overview of the groundbreaking educational center at Storer College and the Niagara movement that…
7. African American History Museum
7.46 MILES
Part of the national park, this worthwhile, interactive exhibit has narrated stories of hardships and hard-won victories by African Americans from the…
7.48 MILES
Among the free sites in the historic district, this 1858 house explains how rifle technology developed here went on to revolutionize the firearms industry…