Accident, Maryland. Photo Credit: Garrett County Chamber of Commerce
Accident, Maryland
Accident is a town in Garrett County, Maryland, United States. The population was 353 at the 2000 census.
A person from Accident is called an “Accidental”.
The town of Accident is located near Deep Creek Lake in northern Garrett County, the westernmost county of Maryland.
The unusual name of the town has an interesting story.
In 1750 King George II of England paid off a debt to George Deakins by giving him 600 acres of land in western Maryland.
To make the best of the opportunity, Deakins dispatched two independent survey teams to scout for the most promising land in that section of Maryland. When the teams returned it was discovered that they had marked the exact same 600 acres, even starting with the same oak tree.
A delighted Mr. Deakins had the location patented as “The Accident Tract.”
The town is best known for The Drane House, which was constructed circa 1800 by James Drane, the first permanent settler in the Accident area.
Located on a high ground to the east of the town, approximately 150 yards from the Accident-Bittinger Road and one-half mile east of U.S. Route 219, it is believed to be the oldest standing structure in Garrett County.
The Drane House was purchased by the Town of Accident in 1987, reconstructed and preserved on the original site, and dedicated in 1994.
Recreational activities such as rafting and climbing programs from Adventure Sports Center International offer a more varied experience.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
