Cumberland

Cumberland, Maryland, once known as the 'Queen City' for being the second-largest city in the state, sits at a crucial confluence: Wills Creek flows into the Potomac River, and the Allegheny Mountains give way to a natural passage known as the Cumberland Narrows. This strategic location shaped its destiny, transforming it from a frontier outpost into a bustling transportation and industrial center. Today, Cumberland is a regional commercial heart for Western Maryland and the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia, offering a blend of historic elegance and outdoor adventure.

The city's story is deeply intertwined with America's westward expansion. It served as a military outpost for George Washington during the French and Indian War and later became the starting point of the National Road, the country's first federally funded highway. The arrival of the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal and multiple railroads further cemented its importance as a link between the East Coast and the Ohio River Valley. While its industrial prominence waned after World War II, Cumberland has embraced its heritage, focusing on tourism and revitalization, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

## From Frontier Outpost to Queen City Cumberland's origins stretch back thousands of years, with artifacts indicating human presence before the time of Christ. The area was an American Indian village before European settlement. In 1750, the Ohio Company established a trading post at Wills Creek, and by 1754, Fort Cumberland was built as a British frontier outpost during the French and Indian War. A young Colonel George Washington served here, making it the site of his first military headquarters. Washington returned as President in 1794 to review troops assembled to quell the Whiskey Rebellion, marking the only time a U.S. President has directly commanded troops in the field.

The town was formally established in 1787 and named after Prince William, the Duke of Cumberland. Its strategic location at a gap in the Allegheny Mountains made it a natural passage to the west. In 1806, Cumberland became the eastern terminus of the National Road, America's first federally funded highway, facilitating westward migration. The road reached Wheeling (now in West Virginia) on the Ohio border by 1818.

The 19th century saw Cumberland's rapid growth as a transportation and industrial powerhouse. The Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad arrived in 1842, followed by the completion of the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal in 1850, connecting Cumberland to Washington, D.C. By the 1890s, five railroads served the city, employing over 2,000 people. The surrounding hills provided abundant coal, iron ore, and timber, fueling the Industrial Revolution. Cumberland became Maryland's second-largest manufacturing center, with industries including glass, breweries, fabrics, and tinplate. This era of prosperity earned it the nickname 'The Queen City.'

## Decline and Revitalization After World War II, Cumberland experienced economic decline as industries closed and its population decreased significantly from a peak of nearly 40,000 in 1940 to fewer than 22,000 today. However, the city has shown resilience, focusing on its enduring history and natural beauty to foster tourism and revitalization efforts. In 2001, Maryland selected Cumberland as one of the first participants in its Community Legacy program, leading to a multi-faceted revitalization plan. Today, Cumberland is recognized for its historic preservation and its role as a hub for outdoor recreation, particularly as the convergence point for the C&O Canal Towpath and the Great Allegheny Passage.

Begin your exploration at Canal Place Heritage Park, the western terminus of the C&O Canal Towpath and the trailhead for the Great Allegheny Passage. Here, you'll find the Cumberland Visitor Center in the historic Western Maryland Railway Station, offering exhibits on the canal's history, a scale model of the Paw Paw Tunnel, and a replica canal boat. Just across a pedestrian bridge from Canal Place is George Washington's Headquarters, a log cabin dating back to the French and Indian War. While the interior is not open, you can view interpretive displays through the windows.

Stroll through the Downtown Cumberland Historic District, a revitalized area with independent restaurants, craft breweries, art galleries, and unique boutiques. The architecture here showcases a blend of 19th and early 20th-century styles, including Italianate, Art Deco, and Romanesque. For a deeper dive into local history, visit the Allegany Museum. For a glimpse into grand residential architecture, explore the Washington Street Historic District, featuring large-scale 19th and 20th-century homes in styles like Greek Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne. The Emmanuel Episcopal Church, with its Tiffany windows and tunnels beneath, is another significant historical site. For outdoor enthusiasts, the combined C&O Canal Towpath and Great Allegheny Passage offer over 300 miles of off-road trails for cycling and hiking. Consider a scenic ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad through the Allegheny Mountains.

The best time to visit Cumberland for warm-weather activities is from mid-June to mid-September, when average daily temperatures range from highs of 86°F (30°C) and lows of 64°F (18°C). The clearest skies are typically in September. For comfortable weather with mild temperatures and low humidity, consider visiting from mid-April to June and again from August to mid-October. May and July see the most rainfall, while January is the driest month. Winters (December-February) are cold and breezy, with average highs of 41°F (5°C) and lows of 26°F (-3°C).

Cumberland is accessible by car via Interstate 68 and U.S. Route 40. Amtrak provides intercity rail service via the Capitol Limited line, connecting Washington, D.C., and Chicago, with a station downtown. Allegany County Transit offers local bus service within Cumberland.

Downtown Cumberland offers over 1500 public parking spaces, including garages and surface lots. The George Street Parking Garage provides the first two hours free, and all metered and municipal surface lots are free after 5 PM on weekdays, on weekends, and on holidays. One-hour free street parking is available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM on Baltimore, Centre, and Liberty Streets. Parking kiosks are available for payment via coin or credit/debit card, and the Park Mobile app can also be used.

For those arriving by bike to use the Great Allegheny Passage, free overnight parking is available at the lot next to the Footer Building on Howard Street.