Most people know the Washington Monument standing tall on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.—but did you know there’s an older Washington Monument tucked away in Western Maryland? Built in 1827, this stone tower in Washington Monument State Park near Boonsboro is actually the first completed monument to honor George Washington.

This short video takes you along on a peaceful hike through the Appalachian foothills, leading up to the monument. The trail itself is a refreshing walk, offering forested paths, open overlooks, and a sense of quiet that contrasts the busy city monuments most travelers are familiar with.

A Piece of History in the Mountains

The original Washington Monument in Boonsboro, MD was built by local townspeople in just one day, on July 4, 1827. Though it has since been restored, the stone structure still carries that historic charm and offers a striking reminder of how communities once came together to celebrate George Washington’s legacy.

Today, visitors can climb to the top of the tower for sweeping views of the Appalachian region, with the Blue Ridge Mountains stretching in the distance. On a clear day, the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking.

Reflections from WanderBound

This video was filmed before I began fully developing the WanderBound style—where outdoor exploration meets motivational storytelling. For now, I’m working on uploading older content and the many hikes I’ve taken, so they’re all available before I release more of the nature-inspired motivational content that WanderBound is meant to share.

Still, this hike captures what WanderBound is all about: finding beauty, history, and perspective in the outdoors. Exploration doesn’t have to take you far; sometimes, the most meaningful discoveries are close to home.