Passages of the Western Potomac Heritage Area & Canal Place

02/11/2024

As we move forward with planning make sure you follow our page for updates and developments. Visit our webpage frequently passagesofthepotomac.org and sign up for our newsletter. 🤟🚣‍♀️🚴🚶

01/11/2024

Don't forget to take advantage of Golden Ticket offers at various downtown businesses. visit: passagesofthepotomac.org for a listing of businesses.

Don’t miss a scary good deal on our Polar Express™️ Value Departures! 👻

Enjoy departures of the Polar Express™️ Train Ride at 8:30PM on peak dates, with only $40 coach tickets! 🎄

Book now and learn more at https://wmsr.com/the-polar-express-train-ride

28/10/2024

25/10/2024

Allll Aboradddd! Will you be riding the Polar Express this year? If so, plan ahead and take advantage of your GOLDEN TICKET. When you present your ticket at participating businesses you will receive great deals and promotions exclusively for Polar Express passengers. The fun has just begun visit the Shops at Canal Place and our newly redesigned downtown before you leave. 🎅🎄

23/10/2024

Our Fall Foliage is at peak and our weather is even better. Get out and see the splendor of Autumn in Allegany County! Hiking, Biking, Main Street Shopping, Leaf Peeping and so much more! We have so many ways for you to enjoy the season in Allegany County. 🍂🍁

22/10/2024

Holiday Shopping is on the way. Shop our local stores for unique gifts that are one of a kind and much more personal than box store gifts. Patronize your neighbors businesses, buy the gifts, purchase the gift cards, and celebrate the season at home! Remember "it's the thought that counts"

20/10/2024

Are you coming into town to ride the Polar Express train with Western Maryland Scenic Railroad? BE sure to take advantage of the Golden Ticket Promotion. Enjoy discounts and special deals all over Canal Place and Downtown. Visit our newly designed downtown and grab the deals! Alllll Aboard!!!!!

18/10/2024

Have you marked your calendar yet? We are planning a kick off to the holidays and want you there! Join us on Small Business Saturday, Nov 30th to celebrate the holiday season. We will light up Canal Place, welcome Santa, have live entertainment, activities for kids, food, fun and so much more!

16/10/2024

The River Park at Canal Place project pulled inspiration from many places all over the country. Research and analysis was put into every decision that has been made on the project. Many River Parks similar to ours have been built and are thriving economic engines in their areas. From small towns to large cities River Parks are becoming popular tourist attractions. Providing improved quality of life for residence and tremendous economic impacts for those regions. Our featured photos are from Ohiopyle State Park while the River Park was not built the way ours will be the impacts will be the same. Attracting millions of visitors in a few months and increasing the economic landscape of this small town one visitor at a time.

14/10/2024

On Indigenous People Day we would like to honor our history of Indigenous people in Allegany County. Many Indigenous people lived in Allegany County, Maryland, including the Massawomeck, Susquehannock, and Shawnee:
Massawomeck
Lived in Allegany County and other states, but are not mentioned in historical records after 1635. The Seneca may have displaced them from their territory around 1635.
Susquehannock
Lived in villages on the Western Shore of Allegany County, as well as in Cecil and Harford counties. They fought with the Maryland colony from 1642 to 1652, and signed a peace treaty that gave much of their land to Maryland.
Shawnee
Lived in a village called Opessa Town, which was located in present-day Oldtown, Maryland. They left Allegany County in 1751, but evidence of their presence includes arrowheads, burial sites, and long bows.
Chief Will
A chief who was friendly with the colonists, and may be buried at Will's K**b. His Mountain and Creek are named after him.
The Allegany Museum in Allegany County has exhibits that trace the history of the area from the arrival of Native Americans 12,000 years ago to the 20th century. The museum also has a historical marker called “The Warrior's Path”, which was installed in 1938. The Warrior's Path was a route used by Native communities for trade, politics, and relocation.

12/10/2024

Heritage Areas tell the stories of the people, places, and history of an area. In Allegany County our stories are rich in transportation, coal, and industry. Cumberland once know as the Queen City and the second largest city in Maryland has so many stories to tell. Come visit us and explore our Rivers, Roads, Rails, and Trails. Learn about our history through the stories of people and places. Visit www.passagesofhtepotomac.org

11/10/2024

We spent the last two days at the First Annual Outoor Recreation Conference at Rocky Gap Casino Resort with Outdoor Rec leaders from all over MD. Sharing River Park at Canal Place information, making connections and partnerships.

08/10/2024

Saturday, we were honored to have Congressman Trone visit us. The Congressman has been a strong supporter of the River Park Project and has long recognized the significance to the area and potential positive impacts that this project will bring. While he was here he enjoyed a tour of the River Park footprint, our Farmer's Market and an update on the developments that have been made on the project. We appreciate all of Congressman Trones support and enjoyed working with him over the years.

04/10/2024

Thank you Governor Wes Moore for such a great visit! We certainly enjoyed showing you around and sharing the splendor of Western Maryland with you!

04/10/2024

Hey there Polar Express enthusiasts, Are you riding the Polar Express this year? Canal Place and downtown businesses are excited to see you! Numerous businesses are offering special deals and discounts when you present your golden ticket at participating locations. Look for these flyers and window clings or participating businesses and scan the QR code for a listing of locations. More businesses may be added so check back before your visit.

30/09/2024

Best way to kick off the Fall season is with a delicious bowl of soup. 🍵🦀🤤

It's a rainy, dreary day. Do you know what would hit the spot today? A nice bowl of one of Crabby Pig's delicious homemade soups. Eat in to carry out.

27/09/2024

The official list of participating businesses will be available on Oct 1st. If you want to be a part of the Golden Ticket fun this holiday season contact Kim at [email protected] to sign up and participate.

27/09/2024

🍂🍁🍂🍁

Our home county has been named one of the top 10 best places to visit for Fall! Thanks to all who voted for Mountain Maryland! 🍁

https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-place-to-visit-for-fall-2024/

Read Press Release: https://bit.ly/3MU016B

26/09/2024

Today we had the distinct honor of welcoming Governor Moore to Canal Place. After his tour of downtown Cumberland he visited with us as we discussed the many opportunities and benefits that the River Park at Canal Place will bring to the area. Many people were in attendance to show their support. Dee Dee Ritchie , Executive Director for Canal Place Preservations and Development Authority(CPPDA), Janice Keene, Board Chair CPPDA, Beth Wojton of EcoLogix, Jim Christy of Civil Engineering and Consulting and Ashley Workman, Tourism Director for Allegany County all spoke about the projects impacts both economic and environmental for the region. Governor Moore was quick to point out that the River Park project will impact all of Maryland. Of course we could not let the Governor leave without providing him with some River Park gear, thank you Tees Me Tees for the gear and B&B Meats for the bologna that we all lovingly refer to as "river snacks". Thank you Governor Moore and team for your support and enthusiasm for the River Park! We can't wait to have your family float down the river with us!

25/09/2024

Mark your calendars and kick off the holiday season with us at Canal Place!

23/09/2024

Celebrate Native American Day

The primary Native American tribe historically present in Allegany County, Maryland, were the Shawnee, who lived in a village called "Opessa Town" near present-day Oldtown, Maryland, at the junction of the North and South Branches of the Potomac River; this area was known as "King Opessa's Town" due to their leader, King Opessa, who offered refuge to runaway slaves from Virginia and Maryland.

Fort Cumberland: At the current location of the city of Cumberland, Maryland, a crude frontier fort was constructed at the confluence of Wills Creek and the Potomac River in fall 1754 by troops of the Maryland militia, under the command of Captain John Dagworthy, and under the overall command of Colonel James Innes, the commander-in-chief of colonial forces at that time. A few years earlier, Thomas Cresap had established a trading post nearby, and hired Native Americans including the local chief Nemacolin to blaze a shorter path across the Allegheny Mountains to Redstone Creek on the Monongahela River, which became known as Nemacolin's Path. Initially named Fort Mount Pleasant, it was renamed Fort Cumberland in 1755.
Ft Cumberland figured prominently in the French & Indian War in 1755, when it became a rally point for British forces under command of General Braddock. The wood palisade fort is now gone, and occupying the site is the existing Emmanuel Episcopal Church, but the old fort tunnels still remain underneath.

Indians served on both sides during the French and Indian War. Some tribes seemed to switch loyalties during the war, when it better suited their purposes. (A historical marker located in Cumberland in Allegany County, Maryland.)

21/09/2024

Temperatures are cooling and colors are booming. Fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy Canal Place. Hike, bike, picnic and visit while the colors are changing.

📸Erin Dettinburn

18/09/2024

VOLUNTEER ALERT:
Spring Gap Campground Cleanup

Please join the Scouts of America and the C&O Canal Trust for a campground clean up! The C&O Canal National Historical Park follows the Potomac River for 184.5 miles between Georgetown and Cumberland, and is one of the most visited national park sites in the country. The C&O Canal Trust is the park’s official nonprofit partner, committed to supporting the park and local communities through fundraising initiatives, expanding accessibility and broadening support through programs that highlight the Park’s historical, natural, and cultural heritage.

For this event, they are partnering with the Scouts of the Cumberland area for their Camporee and service event!

When: Saturday, September 28th, 2024, from 9:00am – 12:00pm
Where: Spring Gap Campground
What: Painting Park Structures, Trash Removal, General Beautification

All ages are welcome, but parents do remain responsible for children the entire time. No drop-offs. Student Service Learning (SSL) hours are available; just bring your forms from the school and we’ll be happy to sign them.

REGISTRATION!!

Additional Notes:

Work supplies such as gloves, trash bags, and PPE will be provided. Bottled water and snacks will not be available onsite, so be prepared with your own provisions. Wear weather-appropriate layers, including footwear. Close-toed shoes are required. In the event of a schedule change or cancellation due to inclement weather or conditions, they will contact you via email. Please email Alexia Tiches, Volunteer Coordinator, at [email protected] with any questions. See you out there!

Learn More: Spring Gap Campground Cleanup – C&O Canal Trust