Gathland State Park, Maryland state park in Washington County, United States.
Description
Gathland State Park encompasses 144 acres of forested terrain on South Mountain, featuring the War Correspondents Memorial Arch and remnants of George Alfred Townsend's historic estate along the Appalachian Trail.
History
The park was established in 1949 on land that belonged to Civil War correspondent George Alfred Townsend, who created his Gapland estate here in 1884 and built the world's first memorial dedicated to war journalists in 1896.
Culture
The site honors the legacy of journalism through its War Correspondents Memorial Arch, recognizing the sacrifices of reporters who died covering conflicts and serving as a testament to the importance of free press in democratic society.
Practical
Visitors can explore hiking trails along the Appalachian Trail, visit the museum housed in Gapland Hall, and participate in Civil War reenactments and living history programs offered throughout the year by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Did you know?
This location contains the world's first memorial specifically dedicated to war correspondents, built by a journalist for journalists, making it a singular tribute to the profession of wartime reporting.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Maryland).
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
11.8 km
Burnside's Bridge
9.4 km
Antietam Creek
9.1 km
Kennedy Farm
6.9 km
National War Correspondents Memorial
290 m
Lambs Knoll
5.1 km
Dahlgren Chapel
9.2 km
Brunswick Historic District
10.4 km
Turner's and Fox's Gaps Historic District
9.2 km
Bennies Hill Road Bridge
6.1 km
Antietam Iron Furnace Site and Antietam Village
8.8 km
Middletown Historic District
9.5 km
Poffenberger Road Bridge
6.4 km
Henry Shoemaker Farmhouse
8.2 km
George Willard House
9.7 km
Crampton's Gap Historic District
256 m
Bowlus Mill House
9.1 km
Burkittsville Historic District
1.8 km
Piney Run
11 km
Geeting Farm
9.6 km
Shafer's Mill
6.6 km
Stonebraker and Harbaugh–Shafer Building
9.2 km
Sandy Hook Bridge
10.6 km
Reno Monument
7.7 km
Brunswick Heritage Museum
10.1 km
Winchester and Potomac Railroad Bridge
11.6 km
Mennen's Borated Talcum Toilet Powder Sign
11.4 km
C&O Canal Antietam Creek Aqueduct
9.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes