The Founder

John Friend, Sr. came to the present site of Friendsville (Exit 4 Off I- 68) in 1765. Along with his wife & son Gabriel, they were the first permanent settlers on the Youghiogheny River at “Friends Fortune”—now known as Friendsville.

A graveyard is located just off the Interstate and John Friend, Sr.’s stone reads: 1732-1808.

The Museum

The National Heritage Museum depicts the life of those early settlers, their history, folklore, possessions, trades, crafts and their traditions which have been passed down to succeeding generations. Family heirlooms, artifacts and memorabilia are displayed for visitors to enjoy and learn from, all now forever saved from the ravages of time.

Friendsville, site of the oldest settlement in Garrett County, MD. Established 1765 on the site of an ancient Indian village, on the banks of the Youghiogheny River. Exit 4 MD off I-68 as it winds through the mountainssides.