Gathland State Park

Walk Upon the Estate of George Alfred Townsend

George Alfred Townsend was born on January 30, 1841, the son of an itinerant Methodist minister on Maryalnd's Eastern Shore. He bacame one of the youngest correspondent of the Civil War and later became one of America's most important journalists and novelists. He wrote, at times, under the pen name of GATH, which was derived by adding an H to his initials G.A.T. The pen name was inspired by a bible passage related to Townsend's career as a writer (II Samuel 1:20), which reads "Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askalon."

GATH reported on the events of General McClellan's Peninsular Campaign, lectured in Europe and returned to report on the end of the fighting. He became a syndicated columnist and wrote many novels. GATH's writings were known from one end of the country to the other and he was regarded with the affection that people bestow upon a columnist who becomes part of their daily lives. GATH was so popular in his day that post offices, race horses, pocket knives and a line of cigars bore his name.

While researching Lincoln's assassination, GATH admired land on South Mountain in Maryland at Crampton's Gap, the site of a September 1862 Civil War battle. He purchased 100 acres in the Gap and built his mountain estate, erecting a moument to honor Civil War Correspondents, artists and photographers. The site is now Gathland State Park.

Picnicking

Picnic tables are available or you can rent a picnic shelter for your family or group by calling The Friends of South Mountain State Battlefield 301-371-4575.

Musuem

The park's musuem is open during weekends in the summer (April - October) or by request 301-371-4575. You'll see many interesting artifacts from GATH's days and learn much more about his life, his career and his estate.

Hiking

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail passes through Gathland State Park. You can hike the "A..T." from Maine to Georgia or for just a few miles. If you are planning an overnight backpack outing, you can park at Gathland State Park for a few days free of charge.

Visit a National Historic Monument

GATH's War Correspondents Arch is a National Historic Monument. It was constructed in 1896 and stands fifty feet high and forth feet broad. The monument and the plot it stands on are admistered by the National Park Service.