How Did Accident Get Its Name? That is a question that you are often asked when you live in Garrett County. Visitors pass through this charming small town on the way to the lake. With two active listings in Accident, Maryland, I thought I would share the history behind the funny name.
How Did Accident Get Its Name?
There are a few different accounts of the origin of the name. I will share the one that is most commonly agreed upon.
Back in 17774, the lands west of Fort Cumberland were opened for settlement. Lord Baltimore was the Proprietor of the Maryland Colony at that time. Many speculators hurried to travel to Western Maryland. They wanted to secure the best tracts of land.
Brooke Beall and William Deakins, Jr., were two such speculators from Prince George’s County. Mr. Deakins and his brother Francis had warrants for several tracts. On April 14, 1774, they surveyed 682 acres between the branches of Bear Creek, including an old Indian camp ground on the trail to Braddock’s Road.
When the survey was completed, Mr. Beall and his party arrived at the site and Beall claimed that he had selected the same tract for his survey. He pointed out his axe marks on the trees to prove it. Deakins replied that it appeared that they had selected the same land “by accident”. Because he and Beall were friends and land was plentiful, he suggested that Beall take over the survey already made. John Hanson, Jr., Deputy County Surveyor, made out the survey to Beall, and the tract was named Accident.
The Drane House
Accident is home to the historic Drane House. It is the oldest standing structure in Garrett County. It was built around 1800 by James Drane. He was the first permanent settler in the Accident area. In the 1980s the house was restored through the efforts of the town and local volunteers. It is listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The Accident Cultural and Historical Society manages the home. They offer tours of the house by appointment.
Accident Today
Accident is brimming with small-town charm. It is home to Firefly Farms where they make award winning artisan goat cheese. Annie’s Kitchen is a popular restaurant that serves up home-made meals and baked goods. Recently, the Rolling Pin Bakery opened. They have incredible donuts and great sandwiches.
Accident has two public parks with a playground, picnic pavilions, horseshoe pits and a baseball field. You will often see fishermen casting their lines along the banks of the town pond at the northern end of Accident.
A Great Place to Live
Currently, I have two active listings just outside of Accident.
245 Sale Barn Road is a 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home with amazing mountain views. It offers an open floorplan and a covered front porch on 3+ acres.
31421 Garrett Highway is a brick rancher with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. It was recently remodeled. Updates include granite counters, new flooring and a paved driveway.
in conclusion
Accident is a great place to visit when you are in the Deep Creek Lake area. The idyllic setting also makes it the perfect place to put down roots and raise a family. Browse area real estate, and let me know if you are ready to become an “Accidental”!
