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Cumberland Attractions
One of the highlights of a visit to Cumberland is a stroll through the Victorian Historic District along Washington Street on the western side of town. This area includes the site of the original Fort Cumberland (now the Emmanuel Episcopal Church) and more than 50 residential and public buildings built in the 1800s, when Cumberland was at its peak. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Washington showcases homes with stained-glass windows, cupolas, and mansard roofs. You'll see architectural styles ranging from Federal, Queen Anne, Empire, Colonial Revival, Italianate, and English Country Gothic to Georgian Revival, Gothic Revival, and Greek Revival. A self-guided walking tour available from the visitor center offers a glimpse into their history. Two homes are open for tours.
6 Results
- Historic Site
C&O Canal Paw Paw Tunnel
Construction on the Paw Paw Tunnel, part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, started in 1836 when engineers decided to build the Canal right through, rather than around, an intervening mountain. The result was an engineering marvel lined with more than six million bricks… - Hiking/Biking Route
Canal Place
The C&O Canal opened here in 1850. For more than 75 years, it was an important transport line and had a major impact on the development of the town. Visit the Western Maryland Station Center at track level, check out the exhibits on the history of the canal (including a model of… - Religious Site
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
This church, located in Cumberland's historic district, is built on the 1755 foundations of Fort Cumberland, where George Washington began his military career. Although the Emmanuel parish dates from 1803, the cornerstone of the current building was laid in 1849. The church contains… - Historic Site
George Washington's Headquarters
This log cabin, believed to be the only remaining structure from the original Fort Cumberland, was used by then-colonel George Washington as his official quarters during the French and Indian War. The one-room cabin is not open to the public but has a window with an audio description. - Historic Site
Gordon-Roberts House
Built as a private residence in 1867 for the president of the C&O Canal, this fascinating 18-room Second Empire home is now in the hands of the Allegany County Historical Society. It's filled with antiques, such as a Victorian courting couch and an 1840 square grand piano. Other… - Tour
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
The 32-mile round-trip excursion between Cumberland and Frostburg -- enhanced by live commentary -- follows a mountain valley route through the Cumberland Narrows, with many panoramic vistas and a 1,300-foot elevation change between the two destinations. All trains depart from and…
Cumberland Shopping
Cumberland's pedestrian mall along Baltimore Street is worth a stroll. Most shops are open every day. Monkey Business, 62 Baltimore St. (tel. 301/724-2050), features upscale women's fashions. The Saville Gallery, 9 N. Centre St. (tel. 301/777-2787; www.alleganyartscouncil.org), is operated by the Allegany Arts Council and features the work of Western Marylanders. Just off the pedestrian mall is the Book Center, 15 N. Centre St. (tel. 301/722-2284), where you'll find a large selection of books on Maryland, local history, railroading, and canals.
Canal Place, adjacent to the Western Maryland Railway Station (tel. 800/989-9394; www.canalplace.org), is home to Arts at Canal Place (tel. 301/777-8199), Cumberland Trail Connection Bicycle Shop (tel. 301/777-8724), and Tree House Toys (tel. 301/759-4869). For a bite to eat, options include the Crabby Pig (tel. 301/724-7472), Queen City Creamery (tel. 301/777-2552), and Wild Mountain Cafe (tel. 301/759-9453).
Cumberland Nightlife
Something is always going on in one of the three area theaters or at nearby Frostburg State University's Performing Arts Center (tel. 301/687-7462; www.frostburg.edu). Check with the Allegany Arts Council, 9 N. Centre St. (tel. 301/777-ARTS [2787]; www.alleganyartscouncil.org), for a schedule of concerts and cultural events.
The Cumberland Theatre, 101 N Johnson St. (tel. 301/759-4990; www.cumberlandtheatre.com), in a renovated church, presents a professional program of musicals and comedies as well as mysteries and dramas June through November.
The New Embassy Theatre, 49 Baltimore St. (tel. 301/722-4692), a 1931 Art Deco movie theater, hosts classic films, live music, theater, and dance. Its restoration was featured on Bob Villa's Restore America. Call for a schedule and tickets.
Windsor Hall, 37 Baltimore St. (tel. 301/724-6800), means live music with blues, jazz, rock and occasionally, stand-up comics.
