From contemporary writers to the classic authors who have helped shape American literature, Maryland has a profound literary heritage. Today, vacationers can not only read works by the state's greats, they can also visit literary monuments and festivals.
Authors of Maryland
Abolitionist, author, orator, and statesman Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in Talbot County. Throughout his childhood, Douglass was displaced from his family. At six years of age, he was taken from his grandmother and sent to live at the Wye House Plantation. From there he was moved to Baltimore to serve Hugh Auld. When he was 12 years old, Auld's wife taught Douglass some letters of the alphabet. This was strictly forbidden, as teaching slaves to read was against the law. Thus began Douglass' interest in literature. He further learned how to read from the white children in his neighborhood, and from watching the writings of the men that he worked with. In 1833, Douglass was sent to work for Edward Covey, who had a reputation for being a "slave-breaker." Covey whipped Douglass frequently, and by the age of 16, Douglass' mental state was in near shambles. Still, Douglass rebelled against Covey's harsh treatment, and in 1836 he attempted to escape but failed. In September of 1838, Douglass finally made it to freedom, taking a train to Havre de Grace under the disguise of a being a sailor. Douglass went on to make great contributions to the abolitionist cause, demanding racial and gender equality for all. Some of Douglass' written works include A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave (autobiography), My Bondage and My Freedom, and several others. Today, travelers can explore his legacy at the Frederick Douglass Memorial in Eaton. The memorial is the first monument dedicated to Douglass in the region where he was born and raised.
Born in Baltimore in 1878, Upton Sinclair is another great writer to hail from Maryland. Sinclair was about 10 years old when his father moved the family to New York City in 1888. Growing up, his family was poor, but Sinclair did spend time with his wealthy grandparents. Later in life, he said that it was this contrast in living conditions that turned him into a socialist. Even as a boy Sinclair loved literature, drawing inspiration from poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. He began college at the age of 14, and shortly after his first story was published in a national magazine. Sinclair's writings include over 90 works spanning a variety of genres. His most popular novel, The Jungle (1906), depicts the disparity of the poor and the corruption of the rich. Other works by Sinclair include It Can't Happen Here, King Coal, and The Profits of Religion.
Jazz Age author F. Scott Fitzgerald is renowned as one of America's greatest 20th century writers. Though not a true native of Maryland, several of his works were influenced by the experiences he had while living in Baltimore. In 1932, Fitzgerald's wife Zelda was hospitalized for schizophrenia at a mental institution in Baltimore. Fitzgerald rented the La Paix estate in the Towson suburb, where he began writing the story of Dick Diver, a psychiatrist who falls in love with and marries one of his patients. This was the birth of his novel Tender is the Night. Many critics believe that the fictional work was a thinly veiled account of Fitzgerald's and Zelda's turbulent marriage. Other works by Fitzgerald include The Great Gatsby, perhaps his best-known novel, and The Love of the Last Tycoon, which wasn't completed before his death in 1940. Fitzgerald's remains are buried in a family plot in Saint Mary's Cemetery in Rockville, Maryland.
Other great writers from the Old Line State include novelist, poet, and short story author Sophie Kerr. Kerr was born in Caroline County in 1880. She authored 23 novels, plus many short stories and poems, including Love at Large, Stay Out of My Life, and Wife's Eye View. In her will, she bequeathed half a million dollars to Washington College in Chestertown, though she was educated at Hood College in Frederick. The money is an annual contribution to one of the college's promising graduating writers.
James M. Cain, born in 1892, was a native of Annapolis. After graduating from Washington College in 1917, Cain enlisted in the military in World War I, during which he wrote for an Army magazine in France. He continued his journalism career when he returned to the U.S., but later began writing screenplays and fiction. His passion for the opera made it the subject of at least three of his novels, including Serenade. Other writings by Cain include The Postman Always Rings Twice, Cloud Nine, and The Magician's Wife.
In addition to the authors already mentioned, many other writers have ties to Maryland. Such historic authors as George Alfred Townsend, John Leeds Bozman, Gilbert Byrin, and Dashiell Hammet have all contributed to Maryland's literary list. More contemporary writers like best-selling author Tom Clancy, who was born in Baltimore County, also grace the pages of the Old Line State's literary heritage.
Literary Sites, Celebrations, and More
Besides books, literary-minded travelers can also experience Maryland's literature by visiting historic memorials or literature festivals and fairs. These are great ways to actively pursue the region's legacy of literature.
One of Maryland's literary historic landmarks is Uncle Tom's Cabin, which stands in the town of Rockville off Old Georgetown Road. The cabin was home to Josiah Henson, whose 1849 autobiography was the model for Harriet Beecher Stowe's classic novel Uncle Tom's Cabin. The cabin symbolizes Henson's strength and cleverness, which helped him rise up from slavery and start a life of education and achievement. Uncle Tom's Cabin was first opened to the public in 2006, and the Heritage Tourism Alliance of Montgomery offers tours of the historic building.
Another literary monument in Maryland is the H.L. Mencken House in Baltimore. The brick row house was home to the prominent Baltimore Sun journalist and author Henry Louis Mencken from 1883 until his death in 1956. An acclaimed critic of American culture, politics, education, and life, Mencken is credited with creating the word "booboisie" to describe the American public. Visitors can only view the house from the outside, as it is not yet open to the public.
Located in Burkittsville, the Gathland State Park makes up the remainder of George Alfred Townsend's estate. Townsend was a correspondent in the American Civil War, writing under the pseudonym "Gath." The park features several historic buildings, such as Townsend's mausoleum and the War Correspondents Memorial Arch, which claims to be the only monument in the world dedicated to journalists killed in combat. At the park, visitors can also check out a museum, war reenactments, and living history weekends which demonstrate 19th century life.
Literary conferences, festivals, and fairs provide vacationers the opportunity not only to explore the works of other writers, but showcase their own works and learn more about the skill of writing. The Bethesda Literary Festival, held in downtown Bethesda, features local and national authors, poets, and journalists. Other features of the festival include writing contests, poetry slams, and a children's book party. The Baltimore Book Festival is another event that celebrates literature. It takes place in the historic Mount Vernon Square, and allows for interaction between readers and well-known authors. The F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Conference is held at Montgomery College in Rockville. The event celebrates Fitzgerald's birthday as well as the art of writing, with the opportunity for up-and-coming writers to have their works critiqued by accomplished authors.
Literature is a special part of Maryland's culture. Great authors from various genres have left a long literary legacy behind in the Old Line State. So if you're passionate about books, or just want to explore the local literature, Maryland offers plenty of opportunities.
Think you're experiencing deja vu as you explore Maryland? You may just recognize the scenery from one of your favorite movies.
