Gathland State Park

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Location: Maryland

Inception: 1949

Website: https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/gathland.aspx

Operator: Maryland Park Service

Website: https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/gathland.aspx

GPS coordinates: 39.40360,-77.64110

Latest update: July 23, 2025 15:18