Walking Tour

Emmitsburg Walking Tour

Emmitsburg’s history can be discovered in a series of 15 exhibits located on the town’s main streets, shown on the website map. Touch any dotted tour stop on the map to provide information about the exhibit seen in that location.

1 St. Joseph’s House

16825 S Seton Avenue
St. Joseph College originated from a school that was founded by Elizabeth Ann Seton in 1810 and grew into a nationally-known women’s institution of higher learning. It is now the site of FEMA’s National Emergency Training Center. Buildings date from 1820s–20^th century. RETURN TO MAP

2 Historic St. Joseph’s House

339 S Seton Avenue
Elizabeth Ann Seton’s original school for local impoverished girls was founded here in 1810. Seton is credited with planting the seeds of Catholic school education in America. Building constructed 1810. RETURN TO THE MAP

3 Glass Mural

300-B S Seton Avenue
Nationally-known, Frederick County artist William Cochran designed this spectacular 1,500 pound glass mural in 1989, which commemorates local firefighters. It can be seen in front of the Frederick County Fire and Rescue Museum. RETURN TO THE MAP

4 Emmitsburg High School

300-A S Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg High School, established in 1922, once served all of the town’s local public school students in grades 1-12. The school contributed to the community’s educational, cultural and recreational culture. Building constructed in 1822. RETURN TO THE MAP

5 Emmitsburg Railroad

Across from 300-B S Seton Avenue (See map)
From 1875-1940, the 7.3 mile Emmitsburg Railroad operated from Emmitsburg to Rocky Ridge, MD, offering local passenger and freight services as well as other transportation regional and national railroads. RETURN TO THE MAP

6 A Building With Many Lives

200 S Seton Avenue
The adaptive reuse of many of Emmitsburg’s historic buildings is evidenced in one of the town’s more prominent structures–which has served as a granery, broom factory, and cannery. Since 1953 it has housed several popular restaurants. Building circa 1857. RETURN TO THE MAP

7 Chronicle Press

107 S Seton Avenue
In smaller towns, local printing shops often served the dual role of commercial printer and newspaper publisher. Such was the case with Chronicle Press, which for many years published the weekly Emmitsburg Chronicle. Constructed 1884. RETURN TO THE MAP

8 Town Square

8 E Main Street
Emmitsburg’s town square has been the center of commercial and social activity since William Emmit founded the town in 1785. Civil War soldiers, US presidents, and American luminaries have traveled its Main Street town square. Historic buildings date from 18th to 20^th century. RETURN TO THE MAP

9 The Great Fire

1 E Main Street
Nearly a quarter of Emmitsburg’s homes and businesses were destroyed by a fire on June 15, 1863, leaving 55 families homeless, and devastating the local economy. RETURN TO THE MAP

10 Armstrong Long Rifle

Between 119 and 121 E Main Street
John Armstrong of Emmitsburg is considered to be one of the foremost artisans of the American long rifle, which was considered to be the most accurate gun in the world for nearly 200 years. RETURN TO THE MAP

11 St. Euphemia’s School

47 Depaul Street
St. Euphemia’s School, a private Catholic school, served the educational needs of local day students from 1878-1956, including African American students–beginning in 1886. Constructed in 1878. RETURN TO THE MAP

12 Town Kiosk

Near 5 W Main Street
Emmitsburg’s Town Square kiosk helps orient visitors with a large format map, historical information, and descriptions of services and amenities. RETURN TO THE MAP

13 Vigilant Hose Company

25 W Main Street
Tribute is paid to the volunteer firefighters who, since 1884, have made up the ranks of the Vigilant Hose Company and helped to ensure the safety and well-being of Emmitsburg citizens. Housed here since 1920. RETURN TO THE MAP

14 Emmit House

601 W Main Street
One of Emmitsburg’s more notable historic structures, it served as a tavern and hotel for nearly a century. Its more celebratory guests included famous Civil War photographer Alexander Gardner. Constructed early-mid 1800s. RETURN TO THE MAP

15 America Goes To War

535 Frailey Road
Emmitsburg’s doughboy statue pays tribute to the area’s brave young men who fought in World War I–some of whom never returned. A soldier’s poignant letter and imagery convey the local loss inflicted by war. Statue erected in 1927. RETURN TO THE MAP