Clear Spring brings together early local history with farm and canal history. When planning a stay, it is worth first choosing a focus: Would you like to trace the town’s development through specific buildings, explore cultural collections and exhibitions, or focus on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, its historic structures, and activities along the towpath? These themes offer different perspectives on local history, cultural heritage, and time outdoors.
Local History and Early Institutions
Clear Spring’s founding is tied to the National Pike: In 1821, Martin Myers laid out lots for the town along the new road. In 1823, a simple building was erected opposite the town spring and served as Clear Spring’s first post office. These two dates connect the town’s layout along a new road with a specific early postal function.
Plumb Grove: Farm History
Plumb Grove offers a different perspective on local history: the farm covers 137 acres and is located on Broadfording Road in Clear Spring, Maryland. Jonathan and Anne Nesbitt built the farm in 1831. The Plumb Grove house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. The dates refer to two different events: 1831 marks the construction of the farm, while 2012 marks the house’s listing on the register.
Collections and Exhibitions
Brown's Meeting House has a spacious room for programs, a local history library, a significant collection of books about the French and Indian War, and several art and history exhibitions. In contrast to Plumb Grove or the early post office, the focus here is less on a single construction date and more on a broader cultural theme.
History Along the Canal
Potomac Dam No. 5 illustrates the engineering side of canal history. The dam is located near mile marker 106.8 of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park in Clear Spring, Maryland. The Canal Company built it between 1857 and 1870 to impound water from the Potomac River and divert it into the canal, where it could be used for navigation. Those interested in transportation history will find the dam a concrete example of the link between water engineering and canal navigation.
For canal activities, the conditional closure of the towpath is important to note. In a notice last updated July 14, 2026, the National Park Service reports that the section between miles 106 and 106.8 is closed during construction. Outside the work zone, visitors can bike, walk, run, and fish. Check the current trail status before your visit, as conditions around the construction work may change.
McCoys Ferry Boat Ramp has parking for cars and boat trailers, as well as a restroom with a pit or composting toilet. If you need these facilities, check before your visit to confirm they are still available; changes to park infrastructure may affect what is provided.
Blair's Valley Lake is also one of Clear Spring’s local attractions.
Explore more destinations: Keedysville, Hagerstown.
View the broader travel guide: Washington.
