18th Century Market Fair at Fort Frederick: A Taste of Life on the Colonial Frontier
The morning air is cool and crisp. It is overcast, and a light fog hangs over the landscape. Dozens of white canvas tents fill open fields nestled between the tall woodlands, announcing the presence of traders and craftsmen. Small plumes of smoke lazily rise skyward, signaling that morning campfires have been lit – the smell of fresh coffee and frying bacon wafts pleasantly through the air. A distant fiddle can be heard playing a cheery morning tune. Your eye is drawn to movement between the tents. It is a British soldier, dressed in his iconic 18th century “redcoat” uniform. He is responding to the muster call of the fife and drum, joining other soldiers as they form morning ranks next to a large stone fortress. Across the fields, several Native Americans come into view, making their way towards the trader’s tents. A French trapper, his shoulder laden with fresh beaver pelts, nods a greeting as he passes by, also heading towards the frontier marketplace.
No, this isn’t a Hollywood movie set or the backdrop of a James Fenimore Cooper novel. These sights are commonplace at the annual 18th Century Market Fair held each year at Fort Frederick State Park, near Big Pool, Maryland. 2017 marks the 23rd year for the 18th Century Market Fair, the premiere event of its kind on the East Coast of the United States. Period vendors (known as “Sutlers”) come from around the globe to take part in this annual encampment, with craftsmen and artisans coming from all over the United States and Canada to participate. Re-enactors and costumed participants have traveled from as far as Europe and Australia to take part in the weekend activities, which are concentrated around the early American colonial period of the mid 1700’s, which includes the time of the French and Indian War (1754 -1763).
The Market Fair prides itself on authenticity. The event’s backdrop doesn’t get any better – Fort Frederick itself. The stone fort was erected in 1756 and served as the keystone of Maryland’s frontier defense during the French and Indian War, when British colonists and settlers needed protection from marauding Indians and the opportunistic French. The fort also saw service during both the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War. After falling into disrepair during the early 20th century, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps (the “CCC”) restored the fort to its former glory in the 1930’s and the area became a state park. 2017 also marks the 261st anniversary of the fortress, and it is as imposing now as it must have been back in 1756.
Vendors fall under strict rules and are governed by a juried panel, which inspect the Sutler’s offerings as they set up their wares when they arrive, ensuring that anything in view falls within the time period of 1740-1790. Business is brisk at the Sutler’s tents. Not just hobbyists, some of the vendors here are master craftsmen and well-renown in their specialty. There are blacksmiths with working forges, knife-makers, gunsmiths, potters – anything that a colonial settler (or historical cosplay enthusiast) would require is available and onsite. Silversmiths are selling steins, bolts of cloth are being measured and cut, and powder horns and pelts exchange hands. Other craftsmen are taking orders and measurements for custom pieces, such as muskets, pottery, and even powdered wigs. Each one is eager to educate the buyer (or casual browser) on the history and authentic manufacturing methods for their particular goods or service.
The crowd is a pleasant mix of weekend visitors and re-enactors – some who participate in full-period costume. Entire families dress the part. Children run the grounds in buckskin pants, floppy hats, bonnets, long print dresses, and bare feet. You may encounter British soldiers (dressed in their traditional red uniforms), trappers, traders, Native Americans, or parasol-wielding ladies with large hoop skirts and tall, elaborate wigs. All have a backstory – and all are more than willing to share it with curious spectators, making the time period come to life. You can listen to colonial-era music, experience a puppet show from the strolling “Wagon of Wonders”, or you may even encounter “Silas, the Ratcatcher” (who receives one penny per tail for his services).
The “Tavern on The Potomack” is a great place to hang out, grab a bite to eat, and watch all of the comings and goings of the day. Around noon, this area is the central hub of activity, as Sutlers and re-enactors drop in for lunch. A large black kettle loaded with homemade soup is simmering over an open fire – tended by a cook wielding a long wooden paddle. Horns and steins of every shape and fashion appear from saddlebags and pouches. Historical tri-corner hats and bonnets outnumber modern-day baseball caps at the tables surrounding the tavern. Plop down and start up a conversation, or just listen in (if you’re too shy to start one of your own). You may get a lesson on musket loading, quilting techniques, or meat curing.
The 18th Century Market Fair at Fort Frederick is a unique and immersive look at early American colonial history. It’s an informative and entertaining glimpse at our nation’s early past, preserved and passed on for future generations.
IF YOU GO:
23rd Annual 18th Century Market Fair at Fort Frederick
Dates: Thursday, April 27th thru Sunday, April 30th, 2017
Address: Fort Frederick State Park – 11100 Fort Frederick Road, Big Pool, MD 21711
Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 09:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday, 9:00 a,m – 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: Adults – $5.00, Kids (6-12) – $3.00, Kids (5 and under) – free
Parking: Onsite
Phone: 301-842-2155