Nestled in a valley where the Potomac River and Willis Creek meet in mountainous Allegany County, Cumberland has 27 listings in the National Register of Historic Places. George Washington did really sleep here - it was during the French and Indian War when he was a general at Fort Cumberland. Later, during the 1800s, Cumberland was a prominent transportation center, known as the "Gateway to the West."

The downtown historic district is a collection of more than 100 commercial, churches and civic buildings that reflect a variety of architectural styles from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries. In the Canal Place Heritage Area, head to the rail station. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers a relaxing roundtrip to Frostburg aboard a train powered by a 1916 Baldwin steam locomotive.

As you stroll through downtown, you'll find plenty of antiques shops, galleries and other specialty stores along the bricked streets. The Cumberland Theater offers live performances. A huge Victorian home – the History House – is furnished as it was 100 years ago. And, the C&O Canal provides hiking and biking opportunities.

Visit the Cumberland web site.

Allegany Arts Council
9 N. Centre Street
Cumberland, MD 21502
301-777-ARTS (2787)
www.alleganyartscouncil.org