Located in the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians, Cumberland is the county seat of Allegany County, in western Maryland. Named after King George II, the Duke of Cumberland, Cumberland used to be the second largest city in Maryland. Nestled in the Potomac River valley, Cumberland is a charming town with the lush Appalachian Mountains surrounding it, with plenty of exploring by foot to be done.
Named after King George II, the Duke of Cumberland, Cumberland used to be the second largest city in Maryland. It used to be a key transportation junction, when rail, road and the canal were important to the movement of goods and people. Now Cumberland has become a quiet Victorian town known for its soft shell crabs and the architecturally beautiful Historic District.
Cumberland has worked hard and has been successful at restoring its former Victorian beauty, starting with the Canal Place Heritage Area, where the city has rebuilt the once important railroad and refurbished the C&O canal. Now, visitors can enjoy a ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, tour a replica canal boat and walk along the fully restored C&O canal towpath. Baltimore Street is another good example where the city has created a unique atmosphere for visitors, with its brick pedestrian walks and quaint town feel. Here shopping, restaurants and street fairs are abundant.
Highlights
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad: will let you experience a 16-mile ride on a real steam train through the Potomac Valley.
Fort Cumberland Walking Trail: can be covered in hours or a whole day, depending on how much you appreciate local history; the trail covers the fort and garrison that Cumberland was originally built on.
Canal Place: celebrates Cumberland’s transportation heritage and visitors can ride a real steam train, walk or bike the canal towpath and visit a replica canal boat.
Allegheny County Museum: showcases a pictorial history of Cumberland, including all the industries that helped Cumberland grow into what it is today.
F. Brooke Whiting Museum of Art: houses Brooke Whiting’s art collection, which he compiled throughout his travels around the world; the museum has an extensive collection of Asian art and 18th century American furniture.
Gordon-Roberts House: is a restored Victorian house, fully furnished with period furnishings, artwork, carriage house and formal garden.
Allegheny Highlands Trail: is a well-marked 21-mile trail that starts in Pittsburgh and ends in Cumberland, connecting with the C&O Canal towpath.