Fort Frederick State Park Hosts Garrison Weekend September 8 and 9

Big Pool, Md. (August 28, 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 what life was life was like for a soldier from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 8 and 9.

“Garrison Weekend will bring the fort back to life with the daily activities performed by the soldiers and women stationed there during the French and Indian War,” said Park Ranger Bob Study.

Highlights of the event include:

• Flag raising ceremony at 10 a.m.
• Flag lowering ceremony at 4 p.m.
• Musket firing presentations at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., and 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.
• Military drills (for children) at 1 and 4 p.m.
• Presentation on uniforms worn by Maryland Troops (inside the fort) at 12 p.m.
• Military music presentation 2 p.m.
• Cannon firing at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

At 5 p.m. visitors may accompany the Maryland Troops on a ranging or scouting party that will take them along the original road leading to Fort Frederick. Laundry and hearth cooking demonstrations will also take place in the barracks throughout the weekend.

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.

To enter the event there is a $3 per vehicle service charge for Marylanders, and a $5 per vehicle charge for out of state residents. 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. 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