06/09/2026
Before Disney World exploded in popularity, Pen Mar was the place to be on the East Coast. Established in 1877 by the Western Maryland Railroad, travelers would come from as far away as Baltimore and D.C. and had their pick of a multitude of hotels in the surrounding area. A combination nature park and resort, Pen Mar Park included an amusement park, dining and dancing halls, and concessions stands.
While there was a lookout pavilion within the park’s vicinity (top image), a quick drive down the road took families and couples to High Rock, which housed a two-story observatory that overlooked the Cumberland Valley (bottom left photo).
The dancing pavilion was also very popular at the park (bottom right photo). It was extended several times over the years to accommodate dancers, eventually ending at a length of ninety-two feet. Music would often be performed by the Pen Mar Orchestra who, in addition to playing at the surrounding hotels, could perform at the pavilion from 11am-7pm.
The 1880s-1920s was the heyday of Pen Mar Park. Afterward, the Great Depression and a rise in automobile tourism led to a decline in park attendance. In 1977, it was turned into a county park as part of Washington County, Maryland, and remains a site for family fun and spectacular views.
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Interested in railroads? One of our exhibits features a topographical map of the Cumberland Valley and shows the paths of the Cumberland Valley and the Western Maryland Railroads. Schedule a tour at the Old Jail or the John Brown House by calling 717-246-1667. We also offer genealogy resources both on our website and in person. We are open Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm.
