Baedeker: 2009 Summer Vacation

Rehoboth Beach and Cape Henlopen State Park, DE, and Annapolis, MD

Part IV – Bonus: The Washington Monument

A multipart series chronically sites of my 2009 summer vacation

So while on the way to Rehoboth, I actually stopped outside Boonsboro, Maryland and checked out a few sites in the area. I won’t tell you why but if you want a hint, I will tell you about all of the sites during Rutherford B. Hayes month!

One site I can tease you with though is the Washington Monument. On a mountain overlooking the surrounding valleys, the stone monument was erected in 1827 by residents of Boonsboro in honor of George Washington. It is the nation’s oldest monument to our first president.
Started on July 4, 1827, it was completed to its final 34’ height in the fall of that year. Originally it was constructed without mortar and fell in to disrepair at various times. It was finally preserved in to its current state after it and the surrounding land was made a state park in 1934. An internal stairway leads visitors to the observation deck. And to get to the monument, one climbs a portion of the Appalachian Trail as it follows the ridge of the mountain range and passes through the park. This was my first time hiking any portion of the Appalachian Trail!

That's it for Rehoboth Beach until next year!