Fort Frederick State Park Hosts Garrison Weekend

Big Pool, Md. (July 6, 2012) ─ Historic Fort Frederick will take visitors on a journey back in time to the French and Indian War with Joshua Beall’s Company of the Maryland Forces and the fort’s volunteer cannon crew. The living historians will garrison the fort and demonstrate the life of the Maryland Forces from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 14 and 15.

“These demonstrations recreate the life and times at Fort Frederick during the French and Indian War,” said Bob Study, Park Ranger at Fort Frederick State Park. “These events serve as a fun and exciting way for visitors to learn about the area’s rich history.”

Highlights of the event include:

Visitors can also learn how the Cherokee Indians, who came to the fort in 1757, contributed to Maryland’s war effort at 2 p.m. Throughout the weekend, laundry and hearth cooking demonstrations will take place in the barracks.

The French and Indian War, which was fought between 1756 and 1763, changed the landscape and fabric of the North American continent forever. The war, which pitched the French and their Indian allies against the British and their Indian allies, brought destruction to the Maryland frontier. As a result, the colony of Maryland constructed Fort Frederick in 1756 as its main line of security for the frontier. At the same time, Maryland raised five companies of troops to garrison the fort and patrol the frontier. One of these companies was commanded by Joshua Beall. Due to Fort Frederick’s unusually strong defenses and the efforts of these soldiers, the French and Indian raiding parties were successfully deterred and stability was restored to the frontier.

There is a service charge for this event. Disabled access is available; however, most of the event activities are situated on grassy areas that may present difficult rolls or walks. Food, gift, and souvenir items will be available for sale at Captain Wort's Sutler Shop.

Fort Frederick State Park is located off of Route 70, exit 12 at State Route 56 in Big Pool, Maryland. More information about the Garrison Weekend or other Fort Frederick activities is available at 301-842-2155 during the office hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov