Confederate Memorial Park: A Place of Respect and Awe. The Confederate Memorial Park in Scotland,…read moreMaryland, was a deeply reflective experience. The grounds hold a quiet reverence, honoring history while evoking a sense of awe at the stories they represent. Now it was very cold and I wish I had taken more pictures!! An eerie event occurred, for you see - the park left an impression--BUT the ride up to the park - wow. As we drove up to the park, something unexpected happened. While recording a video during our approach, a voice--a clear voice that was not mine or my daughter's--suddenly made its eerie debut. I just heard it when I was going through my videos and wow! I kept rewinding it trying to explain it. It was as unsettling as it was intriguing. It added an unexplainable layer to the solemnity of the experience, as if history itself wanted to make its presence known. This park is not just a place to visit; it's a space to reflect, remember, and, perhaps, connect with echoes of the past. For those who feel drawn to history, reverence, or even a hint of the mysterious, Confederate Memorial Park offers a truly unforgettable experience. Have you ever felt the presence of history in an unexpected way? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

The Point Lookout Peninsula in Maryland juts south into the Potomac where the river meets the…read moreChesapeake Bay. During the Civil War, the Federal Government quickly converted a resort on the point into a military hospital. After the July 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, the Union established a prisoner-of-war camp at the site. By the end of the war, more than 50,000 Confederate prisoners had passed through Point Lookout's gates, making it the largest prisoner of war facility in the north. The soldiers who died at the prison camp are now buried at Point Lookout Confederate Cemetery located north of the historic prison. Two memorials stand commemorating the Confederate soldiers buried in a mass grave at the cemetery. In 1857, William Johnson purchased land on the point to create a resort at the very tip of the peninsula. Five years later, the Federal Government converted the resort buildings into a military hospital complex. The Hammond Hospital opened in August 1862. At the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, Union forces captured thousands of Confederate soldiers. Point Lookout was one of numerous military facilities hastily established as prisoner of war camps. Officially named Camp Hoffman, the 40-acre prison compound was established north of Hammond Hospital. A 15-foot tall wooden fence surrounded the compound, while guards kept watch from a gallery at the top of the fence. At the end of August 1863, Point Lookout's stockade held more than 1,700 Confederate soldiers. The prison population swelled to 9,000 by the end of the year. During the summer of 1864, the prison population grew to 15,500, well more than the stockade's designed capacity, and reached 20,000 in June 1865. Conditions for the prisoners severely worsened as the population exploded. The military did not construct barracks or other permanent housing; instead, tents provided inadequate shelter from the sweltering summer heat and brutal winters. Contaminated water, meager rations, malaria and typhoid fever, and exposure to the elements led to a high death rate in the camp. Approximately 4,000 of the total 50,000 Point Lookout prisoners died while incarcerated. Two cemeteries on the peninsula were established for the Confederate dead, a third cemetery contained Union soldiers who died while under care at Hammond Hospital. The prison closed shortly after Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox. In 1866, the U.S. Quartermaster General's office surveyed the peninsula to discern the appropriateness of establishing a national cemetery at Point Lookout. Eventually, the military transferred the Union remains to Arlington National Cemetery outside of Washington, D.C. The Confederate cemeteries remained in place until 1870, when the state of Maryland transferred more than 3,000 remains to a new site further north along the peninsula near Tanner Creek, and now known as the Point Lookout Confederate Cemetery. Identification of individual remains was impossible, necessitating burial in a mass grave. The site was marked by a 25-foot white marble obelisk erected by the state of Maryland in 1876. In 1910, the state transferred ownership of the cemetery to the Federal Government. To mark the common grave of Confederate soldiers, the government erected an 80-foot-tall granite obelisk. The Van Amringe Granite Company of Boston constructed the Point Lookout Monument, completing the work in May 1911. Bronze tablets, both affixed to the monument and set around its earthen mound, carry the names of 3,382 known Confederate soldiers and sailors. At the time of the monument's erection, the Maryland obelisk was moved to the location of one of the original prison cemeteries, and a bronze plaque was affixed to the base of the monument, which provided a history of the move. The State Monument returned to the Point Lookout Confederate Cemetery in 1938 when the Federal Government sold the other properties

Stopped in the say hello to my father in law and have a talk. This is a very nice memorial site…read moreit's winter time so the fountains are covered and the bushes and flowers aren't in bloom but they still keep up the grass and ever green bushes. Stop in and have a drive around everything is in place not just a hodgepodge.

When our family experienced the passing of our father and grandfather on March 21, with the funeral…read moreheld just seven days later on March 28, we were facing an incredibly compressed timeline during an already emotional time. From the very beginning, Storke Funeral Home stepped in and handled every detail with a level of professionalism and care that truly exceeded expectations. Despite the short timeframe, the entire process--from preplanning through the funeral service--was seamless. There was no confusion, no delays, and no sense of being rushed. Everything was handled with precision, calmness, and respect, which made a difficult time much more manageable for our family. The quality of their work was outstanding. The obituary materials were beautifully prepared and professionally printed, reflecting dignity and thoughtful attention to detail. The service itself was executed flawlessly, and the coordination of the repass was equally impressive. The repass location, in particular, was simply beautiful. It offered a warm, home-like atmosphere that allowed family and friends to gather, reflect, and connect in a meaningful way. There were multiple thoughtfully designed spaces, including a comfortable living room area with sofas for conversation, an intimate dining area with club chairs arranged around smaller tables, and a kitchen space with traditional tables and bar seating. The layout provided ample seating while still feeling personal and inviting. We especially appreciated the ability to personalize the space. The staff supported us in creating a tribute by looping highlights of our loved one's life on the television, accompanied by music we selected. It added a deeply meaningful and customized touch to the experience. The staff presence was also handled perfectly--attentive, professional, and readily available when needed, yet never intrusive. It created a sense of ease and allowed our family to focus on being together. It did not go unnoticed that the owner, Mr. Storke, was personally present and involved. That level of leadership and commitment speaks volumes. What also stood out was the value. The overall cost was significantly more reasonable than what we found elsewhere, yet there was absolutely no compromise in quality, service, or presentation. In fact, it felt quite the opposite--we received top-tier service at a very fair price. In every respect, the experience was handled with class, efficiency, and genuine care. It is rare to find a full-service funeral home that can deliver at this level under time pressure, and do so with such consistency and professionalism. I would highly recommend Storke Funeral Home to anyone in need of comprehensive funeral services. They truly can manage every aspect with excellence--and they do it right.

I hired Storke to help bury my father at Arlington National Cemetery, and although 90% of the…read moreprocess was smooth and professional, the funeral service itself was missing the paperwork that was supposed to be there which delayed the process at absolutely the worst time.

Great farm and yard power equipment place, carries all Stihl equipment as well as Toro, etc. Very…read moreknowledgeable staff and quality service option when your equipmqnt needs attention. Prices are competitive, and if you live in the King George area it's close by.

I have used Gateway Power Equipment for years. They are the only ones that I will let service my…read moreequipment. These guys really look out for me and make sure my stuff is safe and ready for use!!!

I went to visit this store after hearing good things about the decent prices and variety of items…read morefor sale. I wasn't disappointed and was, honestly, overwhelmed at how big this store is on the inside. All employees wore masks and had social distancing markers as well as signs encouraging customers to keep their masks on at all times when in the store. Unfortunately, I couldn't find what I was looking for this time around but didn't find plenty of some of my favorite items such as accessories for the tea brewing process as well as nighttables and lots of furniture at great prices. They had signs posted below their ceiling to help customers find their way if their items were in a specific area since it's all cluttered and easy at times especially when going to the back of the store/near the loading and unloading section. All in all, a good shopping experience that has almost everything a person is looking for at great votives to spice up their home decor and basic necessities!

Can often find things you need . Woman working the register would be better having no personality…read morethan the one she has.

Great work on my Closets but they moved and I wish I knew this before driving an hour to find this…read moreout

The Buddy Lee Landscaping team did a fantastic job on the yard. Their team was friendly and…read moreefficient!

I had the pleasure to work with these guys and they are top notch. Grant was our host and runs the…read moreplace. The area is located on the side of the river so while you have some down time during testing you can go fishing. There are plenty of space for parking and for 8 car trailer. Visit www.general-testing.com for their services. There's also a conference room with WiFi for zoom meetings that will be needed. When going here make sure to bring your food because it is in the middle of nowhere. Or you can jus always cook what you caught fishing. Shout to to Grant and crew for welcoming our team.