“Art among a religious race produces relics; among a military one, trophies; among a commercial one, articles of trade.” ~ Henry Fuseli

Culture and religion has been at the root of American civilization. In Frederick, Maryland there are a wealth of attractions including roads and byways that hold great interest for visitors to this area who wish to understand the founding principles and history of our country. The National Scenic Byway, a 38 mile stretch of land from Frederick County to the Catoctin Mountains is dubbed the Hallowed Ground. Many soldiers fighting for our country’s independence lost their lives along this route.

Attractions that collectively represent the beginnings of trade, politics, culture and spirituality throughout our country’s history can be found throughout this region. To name a few:

• The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton – dedicated to the first canonized Saint.
• The C & O Canal (Chesapeake and Ohio) explores the history of shipping.
• The Shifferstadt Architectural Museum highlights the finest examples of German colonial architecture.
• The Barbara Fritchie House commemorates the author of the poem that described waving the American flag in the face of the Confederate Army.
• Weinberg Centerof the Arts houses the original Wurlitzer pipe organ.
• Visit the All Saint Street Neighborhood – the center of commerce and entertainment during the latter part of the 19^th century for African Americans.
• America’s replica of the famous Grotto of Lourdes in France is represented at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of the Lourdes at Mount St. Mary’s University.
• The John Hanson House, the Ramsey House and the Roger Brooke Taney House all hold significance in some aspect of early American history by those that occupied them or visited them.
• Battlefields of Gettysburg and Antietam are located close by. 

We have only touched lightly on a place that the National Trust for Historic Preservation has named as a Great American Main Street community. There are so many things to see and do. The designation as a 2010 Top Arts Destination by American Style Magazine only strengthens this small city’s position as one of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations.

To obtain a travel packet of information on this region, visit www.fredericktourism.org. I hope some of the readers of this blogsite have the opportunity to visit this area. It was a fulfilling trip and I would like to  return again to take in more of the sites and scenes.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.