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The town of Accident is
located near Deep Creek Lake in northern Garrett County, the
westernmost county of Maryland. According to historians, the
town can trace its name to about 1750 when King George II of
England paid off a debt to George Deakins by giving him 600
acres of land in western Maryland. Mr. Deakins sent out two
parties of engineers—each without knowledge of the other—to find
and survey the best land in that section of Maryland. When the
engineers returned, they discovered, much to their surprise,
that they had each marked the same oak tree as a starting point
and then marked off the same 600 acres. Mr. Deakins considered
it safe to choose this land and had it patented as “The Accident
Tract.” Hence, the unusual name of the town. It was not until
some 50 years later, about 1800, that James and Pricilla Drane,
a tobacco farming family from Prince George’s County, became the
first settlers on the land. Drane soon realized that tobacco
would not grow in Garrett County because of the cool climate and
switched to other crops.
The Town of Accident has an annual 4th of July Homecoming
sponsored by the Volunteer Fire Department. This event includes
a parade, patriotic activities sponsored by the Cultural and
Historical Society, entertainment throughout the day, hay rides,
games for all ages, an art show, a craft show, fine food and
beverages, and a walking tour of the town. A highlight of the
day for current and previous residents alike is a visit to the
log cabin where James and Pricilla Drane started it all.
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