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history heritage
and

Journey Back in Time

Where the C&O Canal, the western Potomac River, and major roads
and railroads converged, Allegany County connected the western
region of America to the eastern seaboard. Our stories of America's
early transportation milestones are told in our rivers, rails, trails,
mountains, and towns. Home to the final stop on the C&O Canal, Mile
Marker “0” for the National Road, and a major crossroad for railroad
connection and development, Allegany County served the industrial
revolution as an epicenter for exporting natural resources such as coal,
ore, and timber. Pre-industrial revolution, the county’s topography
served as a natural passageway for westward exploration and
migration. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad will transport you
back in time aboard engine 1309, one of the largest steam locomotives
of its kind in the world. Grab an historic walking tour map to explore
our downtowns and the histories our buildings hold. Visit the remote
communities like Oldtown, an old trading post along Nemacolin’s Trail,
an ancient Native American trail that connected present-day
Cumberland, MD, with what is now Brownsville, PA, or small towns like
Mount Savage and George’s Creek to explore the region’s deep history
of coal mining and the iron rails. Learn of George Washington’s time in
Cumberland along the George Washington Trail 1753. Our museums
and attractions take you on a journey through three centuries of early
American history and explore how Allegany County played an
important role in the industrial development of our country.

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