Gatehouse
This exhibit completed in 2024 was built to showcase the tools, skills, and gumption utilized by the five families to develop an old growth forest into a working farm. And then through time, the regrowth of the forest once farming had ceased. These families were stewards of the farm and forest for the past 250 years nurturing it and conserving it for generations to come. The Evergreen Gatehouse Exhibit stands adjacent to the site of the original gatehouse and was built by the Winter Family who owned the property from 1822-1869. Visitors can also view the gatehouse’s original foundation.
Blacksmith Shop
This blacksmith shop at Evergreen was originally built in 1915 along the tramway. The blacksmith would sharpen pick axes, drills, and other tools for the miners as well as make the shoes for mules and other needed tools for the coal camp. The shop includes the original forge.
Boarding House
This duplex housing unit was originally built in 1921 by the United Big Vein Mine Company. Heavy immigration to the United States after 1900 brought many young unmarried men as well as married men who often arrived without their families in order to get established. There was no running water in the house; an outhouse was located out back. Visitors can view a typical sleeping room and a common room used for cooking.
Mine Opening
This mine opening was established in 1915 by the United Big Vein Coal Company. The opening was recreated from pictures for visitors to experience. The mines at Evergreen are drift mines, which is a horizontal opening into the side of a hill. Timber bracing was typically used for openings and roof support.
Coal Trail
This one-mile trail, which follows the path of the former coal car tramway, features 20 environmental and history learning stops. This easy to walk, natural walking path allows visitors to follow the route of a coal car from a mine opening to the incline plane, where the coal was lowered to the waiting railroad cars below.
Evergreen is located adjacent to the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) and Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and is creating an additional 4.5 miles of hiking trail that will meander through our 130 acre property and connect with the GAP Trail.