Pen Mar Park (a rich history)

Version 1.0.0
  1. Pen Mar Park was developed by the Western Maryland Railway Company in 1877 as a mountain resort destination.
  2. The name “Pen Mar” comes from its location on the Pennsylvania-Maryland state line.
  3. During its heyday (1880s-1920s), the park attracted thousands of visitors from Baltimore and Washington DC who came to escape the summer heat.
  4. The park featured hotels, dance pavilions, restaurants, and spectacular views from the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  5. Pen Mar Park declined after the Great Depression and the rise of automobile tourism.
  6. The original park closed in the 1940s, but was later reopened as a county park.
Glover, L. S, Publisher Detroit Publishing Co, and Copyright Claimant Detroit Publishing Co. Pen-Mar Park. Maryland Pen Mar United States, ca. 1904. [, 1903 May] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2016819216
Listed in Detroit, Catalogue P (1906).
Copyright Deposit no. obscured by mount.
Detroit Publishing Co. no. [0]5191.
Copyright deposit. State Historical Society of Colorado; 1949.
Pen Mar, United States
A view of Pen-Mar Park, likely showing a scenic overlook or gathering area.
Blue Mountain House, Penn-Mar, ie. Pen-Mar, Maryland
Pen-Mar, USA
A historic building identified as Blue Mountain House in Pen-Mar, Maryland.
Entrance to Pen-Mar Park, MD
Maryland, USA
A vintage photograph depicting the entrance to Pen-Mar Park in Maryland.

For photos with proper attribution, here are some sources you might consider:

  1. Local historical societies (Franklin County Historical Society, Washington County Historical Society)
  2. Library of Congress digital collections (many historical photos with clear usage rights)
  3. Maryland and Pennsylvania state archives
  4. University collections (particularly regional universities)
  5. Local newspapers’ archives (The Herald-Mail, Record Herald)

When using photos, you’ll need to:

  • Obtain proper permissions if images aren’t in the public domain
  • Include photographer credits where required
  • Note the source institution/archive
  • Follow any specific attribution requirements from the providing institution

Would you like me to provide more specific details about any particular aspect of Pen Mar Park’s history? Or would you prefer guidance on how to structure your website section dedicated to the park?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​