Family Activity Booklet
Welcome to Gathland State Park! We are glad you decided
to visit us today and hope you enjoy your time with us. This
family activity book is for very special people like you and
your family. We need your help to spread the story about
Gathland State Park so other can enjoy it. Grab your family and let’s search the grounds of the park to find out
more about George Alfred Townsend and the Battle of
South Mountain. As you explore you will find clues that will
help you answer some questions. We will start at
the National War Correspondents Memorial located in the
middle of the intersection. Be carful of the cars and only
cross when it is safe to do so!! From there we will travel in a clockwise direction around the park, making stops at
buildings, signs, and several other important locations.
Make sure to bring a clipboard, something to write with,
water, a snack, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera, and
comfortable, sturdy footwear! The activity book should
take one hour to two hours to complete. See the last page
for more information about a bonus stop which includes a
hike to a historic shelter on the Appalachian Trail.
About Gathland State Park
k is steeped in history. Located in Cramptons Gap on South Mountain, it is one of the sites that became entangled in the September 14, 1862 Battle of South Mountain. A Union force of nearly 10,000 men attacked a much smaller Confederate force that was left at the mountain gap to protect, as long as possible, the divided Confederate Army operating on the west side of the mountain. Late in the day, after heavy fighting, the Confederates were pushed out of the gap. Three days later, the Battle of Antietam would occur, forever overshadowing what had happened at South Mountain.
In the early 1880’s Cramptons Gap became the mountain-top estate of war correspondent and novelist George Alfred Townsend, who used the pen name “Gath”.
Though most of the buildings are no longer standing, Gath’s estate once consisted of 22 buildings. In 1896 the impressive War Correspondent’s Memorial was constructed, a unique national monument standing 50 feet high and 40 feet wide.
Today, the Appalachian Trail runs through the middle of the park. Pets on leashes are allowed (but not inside the museums at Gathland).
Address/Directions:
ark
900 Arnoldstown Road
Jefferson, MD 21755
From points east: I-70 west to Frederick, US Route 340 west 12 miles to Maryland Route 17. Turn right to go north on Route 17 four miles to the town of Burkittsville. At the four-way stop in town, turn left on Main Street (becomes Gapland Road) one mile to top of South Mountain and Gathland State Park. Turn left into the park—Gathland Hall is at the top of the hill.
From points west: I-70 east to Maryland Route 66. Turn right to go south on Route 66, five miles to Boonsboro. At the traffic light, turn left on Maryland Alternate Route 40. Drive 1-1/2 miles through the town of Boonsboro and turn right on Maryland Route 67. Drive 7 miles and turn left on Gapland Road. Drive 1 mile to the top of South Mountain and Gathland State Park. Turn right into the park—Gathland Hall is at the top of the hill.
