Experience America’s 250th From Frederick’s Most Storied Address
There are few things as inspiring as standing in a place where history has been lived, not curated. In Frederick, Maryland, the past reveals itself in layers: brick by brick, tradition by tradition, woven into a town that has long sat at the crossroads of American stories.
In 2026, as the nation marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Frederick offers a thoughtful counterpoint to the spectacle: a place to experience the anniversary with depth, local context, and fascinating history.
For travelers planning an America 250 journey, Visitation Hotel offers the ultimate home base, close to famous monuments and Civil War relics, all just one hour away from Washington, D.C. Discover Frederick’s historic charm and modern treasures—craft breweries, boutique shops, and more with our curated guide.
A Place Where American History Was Lived
Frederick’s role in America’s story stretches from the early republic through the Civil War and beyond. Its downtown streets echo with 18th- and 19th-century architecture and cultural institutions that reward slow exploration. Just steps from Visitation Hotel, visitors can walk Carroll Creek, explore the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, or trace the city’s role as a crossroads during some of the nation’s most defining moments.
History here extends well beyond downtown. Nearby, Monocacy National Battlefield preserves the landscape of the battle known as the “one that saved Washington,” while sites like Catoctin Furnace reveal the stories of ironworkers, many of them enslaved or free Black laborers, whose work fueled early American industry and whose legacy continues to shape the region’s understanding of its past.
Frederick’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and Antietam National Battlefield makes it an ideal base for travelers seeking a broader view of America’s founding. Take a quick car or train ride to see the sites along the Mall or museums like The Smithsonian or the National Portrait Gallery, then return to Frederick for a quieter afternoon. End the day with dinner along Market Street or a sunset walk back through the hotel’s grounds.
Visitation Hotel: Nearly Two Centuries of Purpose
Originally built in 1824, the building that houses Visitation hotel has served many roles over the last two centuries: a cloistered monastery, a renowned academy for young women, a Civil War hospital for Union soldiers, and now, a thoughtfully restored hotel that honors every chapter of its past.
Architectural details throughout the property, like arched corridors, preserved stonework, and the deconsecrated chapel with its stained glass and marble altar, offer moments of pause and perspective. Even long-standing traditions, like the apple dumplings once shared between townspeople and students, speak to the building’s deep connection to Frederick itself.
A Stunning Way to Mark a Milestone
America’s 250th anniversary will unfold throughout 2026, offering countless reasons to travel. While Washington, D.C., hosts marquee events like the highly-anticipated opening of the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, Frederick provides balance. An opportunity to absorb the anniversary in a setting that encourages reflection.
Winter is an ideal time to settle into Frederick’s historic core, with museum visits and quiet afternoons spent browsing independent shops along Market and Patrick Streets. As the year unfolds, the city’s creative energy comes into focus at places like The Delaplaine Arts Center, where rotating exhibitions spotlight regional and national artists, and NOMA Gallery, known for contemporary fine art in a beautifully restored space.
Spring and summer bring Frederick’s makers to the forefront. A tasting at McClintock Distilling, housed in a former canning plant, offers a chance to sample award-winning spirits crafted with organic, locally sourced grains. Nearby, Tenth Ward Distilling Company produces everything from absinthe to rye whiskey in a setting that feels distinctly Frederick. Throughout the year, Carroll Creek provides a natural path for strolling, lingering at café tables, or simply watching the town move at an easy pace.
Why Planning Early Matters
As America’s 250th anniversary draws closer, interest in travel to historic destinations like Frederick is already on the rise. Planning your stay early not only helps ensure you get the dates and room type you want, it also puts you in a great position to take advantage of some of our best available rates and exclusive packages.
For a longer stay that lets you absorb more of Frederick and the region, our Time Well Spent offer provides meaningful savings: stay two nights and enjoy 25% off your third night, or stay three nights and receive 50% off your fourth night. It’s a perfect way to linger over local history, galleries, and the calendar of anniversary activities in both Frederick and nearby Washington, D.C.
Other thoughtful packages include Park & Stay, which makes exploring downtown a breeze with discounted valet parking, and seasonal packages celebrating special moments or getaways with added amenities. Booking early lets you secure these offers before rooms fill up for popular dates around spring and summer.
And of course, an early reservation gives you plenty of time to plan more than just your nights. Wye Oak Tavern, located right inside the hotel, has become one of Frederick’s standout dining destinations. Helmed by acclaimed chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, it features seasonally driven Mid-Atlantic cuisine and an inspired cocktail program that guests return to again and again.
