Fort Frederick State Park

BIG POOL - In temperatures above 80 degrees, about 150 re-enactors dressed in wool coats and leggings reminiscent of the 1750s marched around Fort Frederick and re-created typical woodland skirmishes outside the stone walls of the fort Saturday afternoon. For Jim Rogers, dressed as a drummer for the Maryland forces, the 25th annual French and Indian War Muster at Fort Frederick is a great way for him and his family to learn and live history. Thanks to his father, Rogers said he has been involved in re-enactments since he was 5 years old. Now, at 28, he brings his wife and children along.

BIG POOL tarar@herald-mail.com Supporters of Fort Frederick State Park are trying to raise $1 million for the historic fort's 250th anniversary campaign that will include a weekend celebration and the reconstruction of a facility used as officers quarters during the French and Indian War. Campaign counsel David Kuder, campaign committee member Ralph Young and other members of Friends of Fort Frederick Inc. asked the Washington County...

BIG POOL, Md. - Nearly two dozen muzzleloading enthusiasts braved blustery fall winds and a fickle sun Saturday on the first day of a weekend shoot, all to practice their hobby at Fort Frederick State Park. It's not an avocation for everyone. It takes a good eye, a steady hand and patience ... above all, patience. "I enjoy muzzleloading all year long," said Grayson Babington of Clear Spring. And his love of the hobby has been part of his life for 30 years. Saturday, Babington was shooting with friends, George Fisher of Clear Spring, and Les Boyd of Frederick, Md. After one particular round, Babington produced his paper turkey target to park officials with several bull's-eyes to the head.

BIG POOL - Granted, everyone who came to Fort Frederick State Park for the 250th anniversary weekend celebration was surrounded by the history of the place. But for the Williams family, it wasn't just any history - it is their history, too. For 54 years beginning just before the Civil War and lasting into the early 1900s, the Nathan Williams family owned and farmed the land on which Fort Frederick stands. "We came here for this from New Jersey," said Jean Johnson, wife of Donald Johnson, whose mother was a Williams.

1. Conservation on film American Conservation Film Festival runs Thursday, Nov. 3, through Sunday, Nov. 6. Festival features films on conservation, including "The Polar Explorer," pictured. Three venues in Shepherdstown, W.Va. $40 full festival pass; $10, individual block tickets. For a list of films, go to www.conservationfilm .org. Call 304-876-7373 or email info@conservationfilm.org . 2. 'The Rivalry' begins Friday "The Rivalry," a play about the Lincoln-Douglas debates.

gregs@herald-mail.com BIG POOL - Tom Kerling stood aside from the dozen or so troops he was commanding before he began calling out orders Saturday at Fort Frederick State Park. Kerling, 31, of Westernport, Md., wore the clothes of a British sergeant during the French and Indian War, complete with red coat, black three-point hat and white stockings, and explained to the crowd of spectators the different ways a muzzle-loading rifle could be used. Of course, it could be fired.

andrear@herald-mail.com Two Tri-State area forts will open their gates to traders, trappers, soldiers and civilians during 18th-century market fair celebrations today through Sunday. Historically, the market fair was a few-day-long gathering to trade, buy and sell crafts, furs, produce, clothing, fabric and other supplies needed for the year to come. Participants also showcased their frontier and shooting skills, swapped tales of adventure and shared news from the Colonies, according to information from the Great North American Rendezvous Web site at www.gnarendezvous.

The Washington County Historical Society chose as its first preservation efforts in 1911 the Washington Monument and Fort Frederick because of their importance to both local and national historic events. The history of the monument was covered in last month's column, this column will follow Fort Frederick's history. Advocacy on behalf of the fort dragged on for 11 years, causing huge frustration among WCHS board members. The State of Maryland did acquire the fort, known as the "Gibraltar on the Potomac," and the surrounding forest lands in 1922.

gregs@herald-mail.com BIG POOL - The smell of animal skin, burning pipe tobacco and possibly bare feet normally may have turned away more than a few customers, but Ernie Marvin had a steady flow of prospective buyers Friday morning. Marvin was selling animal pelts of all shapes, sizes and cuts at the 10th annual 18th Century Market Fair at Fort Frederick State Park. Underneath a tent and with nothing between his feet and the bare earth but a few blades of grass, Marvin puffed a pipe as he explained what brought him to the event from Michigan.

1. A trip back in time Fort Frederick State Park hosts its annual 18th-Century Market Fair. The fair includes artisans, craftspeople and sutlers and an 18th-century encampment. The fort will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 26, Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 29. The fort is at 11100 Fort Frederick Road, Big Pool. Admission is $3; $2, ages 6 to 12; free for ages 5 and younger. Call 301-842-2155 or go to www.friendsoffortfrederick.info.