In the western part of the state (nearly midway between Pennsylvania and West Virginia), Hagerstown has a number of sights related to area history. Among them are the mid-1700s Jonathan Hager House (now a museum) and Miller House (museum, doll and clock collection—note its three-story staircase). The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts specializes in 1800s American art. If you're in Hagerstown during December, take in the Hager House Christmas, a tour of colonial homes.
Several other attractions are nearby. The Washington Monument is about 10 mi/16 km southeast of town, near Boonsboro. Although not the famous Washington Monument, this one, erected in 1827, is said to be the first monument built in honor of the first U.S. president. The limestone Crystal Grottoes Caverns are also near Boonsboro. Fort Frederick State Park, near Big Pool, was founded in 1756 to protect British territory during the French and Indian War and was later used as a prison for captured British troops during the Revolutionary War. Antietam National Battlefield is 10 mi/16 km south of Hagerstown. 70 m/110 km northwest of Baltimore.
