Turning a mountainside fortress into a destination and a home
In September 1998, Fort Ritchie in Cascade, Maryland, closed its doors. The installation, active since 1926, had served as a pivotal facility for the American military during World War II and provided employment opportunities for the surrounding town that rides the Mason-Dixon Line boundary between Maryland and Pennsylvania. It was not until 2021 that a local developer purchased the fort's facilities and began the process of revitalization. This process has been a swift one, adding several restaurants to the neighborhood to create a commercial footprint and renovating the midcentury base housing into modern townhouses. Rigorous efforts to support local artists and to turn the community into a destination have proven successful; however, the locals enjoy the peace and quiet of fishing the man-made lake and hiking the nearby Appalachian Trail. With its history museum showcasing the area’s remarkable story and the community center providing ample choice for fitness and recreation, Fort Ritchie is laying the foundations of an active community in the woodlands of Appalachian Maryland.
Ft. Ritchie Maryland is a historic Army base in Washington County.
The original gates to Ft. Ritchie mark entrances to the developing neighborhood.
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Townhouses in the limestone hills of Washington County
Currently, home choices in Fort Ritchie are limited by the progress of the revival project. “Right now, there are about 58 townhouses,” says Selina Cisar, who has been with Ritchie Revival since April 2021. “That makes up all the currently available residential property, and they’re all concentrated on Catoctin Circle and Cushman Avenue. There are about 30 or so more homes being renovated on Barrick Avenue, and the plan for those is to make them a mix of residential, Airbnb rentals and retail space.” The available properties are all midcentury constructions and come in two-, three- and four-bedroom units. They are set back from the road by driveways that nearly all feature carports, and most feature mid-sized front and backyards. Prices range from $300,000 to $325,000 depending on the number of bedrooms. Radon detectors will likely be a common sight in basements. Washington County's geography is dominated by limestone, which has a higher-than-average concentration of uranium. When the uranium breaks down, odorless and invisible radon gas is released. Detectors are necessary to prevent any associated complications.
A recently premiered show on Paramount+, titled Special Ops: Lioness was filmed in Ft. Ritchie.
A small circle of duplex style homes make up the bulk of Ft. Ritchie housing.
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The history and artwork of Fort Ritchie
One vital aspect of the revival of Fort Ritchie is the history museum, where visitors and locals alike can explore the stories of the men and women who served at the base prior to its shutdown. “During World War II, enlisted European and Japanese immigrants trained as battlefield intelligence agents here,” says Frank Milihram, a graduate intern who works at the museum. “We get a lot of people who come in and tell me about their time here, usually followed by how glad they are that we’re doing something with the space.” The museum hosts several events throughout the year, including living history reenactments telling the story of the Ritchie Boys and Girls and the Nisei intelligence agents. “At the Nisei Gallery across the street, there’s a mural painted by the Japanese soldiers who were stationed here,” Milihram adds. “That’s actively displayed and preserved, and the gallery offers local artists a place to exhibit and sell their original work, as well.” Fridays at the Fort is another popular event, where locals can browse the selections of local artisans, shop for fresh produce and enjoy live music.
The Ft. Ritchie museum preserves the rich history of the area.
A large mural is a centerpiece inside the Nisei Gallery in Ft. Ritchie.
Nisei Gallery showcases local artists from Ft. Ritchie and around the region.
A visitor explores the Ft. Ritchie Museum and browses the many artifacts and exhibits.
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Local stops and renewed commercial opportunity
Sanders Market, owned by Cascade locals Roy and Dollie Sanders, has been the area’s source for groceries since 1956. The market is also known for its submarine sandwiches and its in-house sticky buns. The closest big-box retailer is the Walmart in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, where residents can also stop into Lowe’s Home Improvement for any weekend project needs. The recent revival efforts have also brought restaurants such as the Top Secret Tap Room, which pays homage to Fort Ritchie’s history as a training facility for intelligence-gathering servicemen and women in World War II. While the Tap Room is only open Thursday through Sunday, locals can order from Rocky’s Pizza or stop into Chocolate Park Tavern for a drink throughout the week.
Ft. Ritchie's Top Secret Tap Room is a popular spot for gathering for drinks.
Grab a slice of New York style pizza from Rocky's in Ft. Ritchie.
A bartender pours a beer at the Top Secret Taproom in Ft. Ritchie.
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A century of Cascade Elementary
Fort Ritchie is zoned for Washington County public schools such as Cascade Elementary, which scores a B from Niche and has served the community since it opened in 1924. Students then proceed to Smithsburg Middle School, which holds an A-minus, before completing their education at Smithsburg High, which earns a B-plus. Smithsburg High recently completed renovations on the football stadium, and their athletic director was named the 2024 State Athletic Director of the Year.
Cascade Elementary School serves students in the Ft. Ritchie area.
Smithsburg Middle School earns a "B" rating from Niche.
Smithsburg High School serves students of Washington County, Maryland.
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Hiking in the mountains and fishing at the pond
Several homes in Fort Ritchie look out on Appalachian wilderness, allowing locals plenty of opportunity to hike portions of one of the most famous footpaths in the world. Hikers can pick up the trail at Pen Mar Park on the north end of the neighborhood and make the 2-mile trek to the scenic High Rock Vista. More structured activity is available at the Fort Ritchie Community Center, where members can take fitness classes, sign up for rec league sports and learn to play pickleball. The neighborhood also has its own central athletic field where residents compete in pickup soccer matches and a pond where folks can fish from the pier.
Enjoy the walking paths through wooded areas in Pen Mar Park.
The lake inside Ft. Ritchie provides a place for recreation and adds beauty to the area.
Ft. Ritchie Community Center offers residents a place for recreation and socialization.
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A beautiful drive up Route 419 to Ft. Ritchie offers scenic views of orchards along a mountain.
Winding mountain roads through Washington County
The only roads serving Fort Ritchie are Maryland Route 491 and Military Road, a pair of two-lane country thoroughfares that intersect at the gate which formerly isolated the community from the rest of Cascade. Taking Route 491 south to Route 64 is the most direct way to make the 15-mile trip to Hagerstown while following it north to Pennsylvania Route 16 is the fastest way to get to Waynesboro, nearly 10 miles west. Route 15 is the closest major highway at 9 miles southeast, and the nearest interstate is I-70 about 13 miles southwest.
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Two Lots for sale behind current house listing for sale. See MDWA2027066 ALSO see house for sale PAFL2025278 both lots must be purchased not being sold separately.
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
807
Median Age
42
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$80,580
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$95,303
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91%
College Graduates
21.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.5%
% Population in Labor Force
82.1%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
24°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
2''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
7/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
7/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
