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Visit a section of river between Keyser and Spring Gap...
Oldtown, Md.
South Branch Potomac River
Green Ridge State Forest
Paw Paw Tunnel
Little Orleans, Md.
Hancock, Md.
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The first settlement in what is now Allegany County, Maryland, Oldtown (canal mile 167) has a rich and fascinating history. A ford in the Potomac led to the establishment of early Indian settlements in the area, and the famous "Warrior Path" from the Indian nations of the north to the southern tribes, crossed the Potomac here. In 1740, Thomas Cresap, an early explorer, established a residence to trade with the Indians. Cresap became a prominent figure in the development of Western Maryland. He made and lost several fortunes, eventually establishing himself as the primary trader in this part of the frontier. Pennsylvanians, interested in attaching the land to their colony, battled with Cresap several times in the 1730s. After spending time in a Pennsylvania jail, he moved to Maryland, and settled in Oldtown in 1744; in 1748, he entertained young George Washington who was surveying the west.
After the Civil War, Oldtown did not benefit from increasing railroad traffic, which goes through West Virginia at this point. Despite construction of the Western Maryland Railroad in 1905-1910 and improved Maryland highways, the town remained isolated. When the canal went bankrupt, the town declined further. Today, its historic buildings are in a state of disrepair, but are not threatened by new development.
Michael Cresap's house is now a museum. The old stone house on Main Street was the home of Michael Cresap, son of Thomas, who moved in with his wife in 1764. Captain Cresap met here with volunteers before their march to Boston to fight the British. There was a jail in the basement-its windows still have bars. The museum, the oldest house in Allegany County, is open only two weekends each year: the first Friday-Sunday in June and the first Friday-Sunday in September from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Donations are accepted. Special tours are available at other times by appointment.
Oldtown Bridge—Until mid-1995, a low-water bridge carried traffic from Md. Route 51 across the Potomac to Green Spring, W. Va., charging a toll of $.50 each way. The bridge was closed due to structural problems, but may be repaired.
Michael Cresap Museum, Main Street, Oldtown, MD 21555. Telephone: 301-478-5154. |
