Fort Frederick plans artillery weekend

October 16, 2007

BIG POOL - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Park Service will be hosting an 18th-century Artillery Weekend Oct. 27-28 at Fort Frederick State Park in Washington County from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event features presentations of the loading and firing of a British 6-pound cannon from the French and Indian War period.

The French and Indian War, fought between 1754 and 1763, brought destruction to the frontiers of Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. As a result, the colony of Maryland constructed Fort Frederick in 1756 as its main line of security for the frontier. In its finished condition, the fort included four 6-pound cannons, which played an essential role in the location, design and defense of the fort.

Due to Fort Frederick's unusually strong defenses, it successfully deterred French and Indian raiding parties and restored stability to the frontier.

Cannon firing demonstrations will take place each day at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Other programs explaining the significance of artillery in the history of Fort Frederick will be presented throughout the weekend.

For this event, there is a service charge of $3 per person and $2 for children ages 6 to 12. Disabled access is available; however, most of the activities are situated on grassy areas that might present difficult rolls or walks. Food, gift and souvenir items will be available for sale at the park store near the fort.

Fort Frederick is off Interstate 70, Exit 12 (Md. 56 in Big Pool).

For information about Artillery Weekend or other Fort Frederick activities, call the park at 301-842-2155 during Monday through Friday office hours between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

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