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.