Discover the stone that was used to rebuild Washington D.C. after the British invaded in 1814. Join local historian Paul Kreingold on a hike to learn about the lost history of the Potomac Marble!
Paul Kreingold will lead a tour of the 200-year-old quarries discovered during the research for his book Potomac Marble: History of the Search for the Ideal Stone. Mr. Kreingold is the Conservation Director of the Loudoun County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League and a Virginia Master Naturalist, Banshee Reeks Chapter.
We will be walking about 2.2 miles each way to the quarry on the C&O Canal towpath. Once we reach the site we will cross over the canal in a usually dry spot and then scramble up a steep incline into the quarry itself.
We will meet at the Dickerson Conservation Area Parking Lot in Dickerson, MD (20700 Martinsburg Rd, Dickerson, MD 20842) at 11:00am.
A few important items to note:
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes, dress appropriately, and bring a snack and water (there is no potable water during the hike). Don’t forget your camera and walking stick!
- Please be aware that this hike will require climbing.
- Registration is required as space is limited. Please cancel your registration if you cannot attend so that we can open the spot for someone else.
- There is a well-maintained porta-potty about two miles from the starting point of the walk.
- We should return to our starting place by 3:30 PM.
- Each participant will be required to complete the following form (copies will be available at the beginning of the hike): https://montgomeryhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Liability-Waiver-and-Medical-Form_2025.pdf
- You will be notified by email if the event is delayed due to weather. The rain date is April 18.
