At Maryland’s newest state park, a story of Black resilience

Maryland's newest state park, the 1,042-acre Freedman’s State Park near Gaithersburg, honors the legacy of the Howard family, who owned the land after emancipation from slavery, and became major contributors to Black communities in Maryland.

By: Christine Condon

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: May 19, 2026

Words: 1,182

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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For years, the old stone house beside a Montgomery County farm field was largely forgotten. It was swallowed by forest, marred by graffiti and crumbling to the earth.

But now, partially restored and easily accessible, it is the centerpiece of Maryland’s newest state park.

The 1,042-acre Freedman’s State Park near Gaithersburg honors the legacy of the Howard family, who owned the land after emancipation from slavery, and became major contributors to Black communities in …

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