Fort Frederick to Host the American Soldier Through the Ages

Living History Event Aug. 5 and 6

Fort Frederick State Park invites citizens to experience what life has been like for American soldiers through the years, including when the State of Maryland was founded in the 18th century and up through the Gulf War in the 20^th century.

The military history of Fort Frederick spans the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Building upon that legacy, “The American Soldier Through the Ages” program will provide visitors with “hands-on” displays of weaponry, uniforms and military gear from those years and beyond.

Time periods represented with artifacts during this program will be the 1600s colonial militia, the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the 1870s Indian Wars, the Spanish American War, World War II and the Gulf War.

Historical interpreters from the fort will describe how soldiering adapted over time in some ways and maintained certain common elements in other ways.  The event will also feature Civilian Conservation Corps living historians who will portray life at Fort Frederick during the 1930s.

“This program allows our visitors to learn about our military past, including changes and similarities in the soldier life from the 17^th century through more current times,” Park Ranger Rob Ambrose said.

The events take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  The program begins with a flag raising ceremony over the historic fort, which was built in 1756.

Visitors will pay a service charge of $3 per vehicle for residents and $5 for nonresidents. Visitors should also be advised that disabled access is available, although most of the activities are on grassy areas.