In honor of our country’s 250th anniversary, the America250 Monroe County committee created the Pennsylvania Historical Markers Passport Trail.

The self-guided trail consists of 18 significant locations in Monroe County that walk people through its history. Many of the locations are from the 1700s, but a few are more recent.

Each location was designated with a marker, but 14 of them were temporarily removed by the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission for maintenance and painting. They were expected to be back in place by July 15.

“Go visit those interesting places,” said Commissioner David Parker, who is also a member of the America250 Monroe County committee.

Anyone who visits at least 12 sites will earn a personalized Certificate of Completion to applaud their journey in exploring the county’s history. For those who visit 12 sites including Sullivan’s March at Brinker’s Mill in Sciota, they will receive a print of a painting by Frederick Beaver painted in 1975 of the mill. Beaver was a local artist and art teacher.

And for people who go to all 18 locations, they will be entered into chance to win a $250 gift card.

In order to get a passport, go to https://monroe.brightrtravel.com/passports. Click on PA Historical Markers, and register. Then at each marker visited, just check in by scanning the code with a cellphone.

The markers include the following:

• A. Mitchell Palmer — 624 Sarah St., Stroudsburg. The marker honors former U.S. Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer, who held the office in the early 20th century.

• Daniel Brodhead — 206 E. Brown St., East Stroudsburg. Daniel Brodhead was a prominent man who settled in the area in 1738, and was the namesake for the Brodheadsville. His son, also named Daniel was a leader during the Revolutionary War.

• Dansbury Mission — 204 Main St., Stroudsburg. It was a religious outpost for Moravians in 1744 and established Daniel Brodhead.

• Dutch Settlers — Route 2028 in Winona Lakes, Middle Smithfield Township. Honors the first settlers in Monroe County.

• Fort Hamilton — 900 Main St., Stroudsburg. It is the location of a fort that was built under the direction of Benjamin Franklin in 1755.

• Fort Hyndshaw — 7003 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg. Middle Smithfield Township. Built in 1756, it was the most northern point of defenses during the French and Indian War.

• Fort Norris — 655 Interchange Road, Kresgeville, Polk Township. It was built in 1756 to protect settlers.

• Fort Penn — 526 Main St., Stroudsburg. This fort replaced Fort Hamilton in 1763 and was a refuge from attacks after the Battle of Wyoming on July 3, 1778.

• Jacob Stroud — 700 Sarah St. #1, Stroudsburg. The marker honors the founder of Stroudsburg, who was a Revolutionary War officer, member of the state constitutional convention and a state legislature.

• John Summerfield Staples — West Gate Park, Stroudsburg. He was a representative recruit for the Union Army during the Civil War in 1864.

• Marshalls Creek Explosion — 5180 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg, Middle Smithfield Township. This explosion of a tractor trailer on June 26, 1964, at this location killed six people and injured 13. The tragedy helped lead to the creation of the U.S. Transportation Safety Act in 1974.

• Marshalls Creek Mastodon — 4500 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg. The remains of a mastodon was discovered here in 1966 by John W. Leap.

• Monroe County — 610 Monroe St. #101, Stroudsburg. This marker commemorates the establishing of Monroe County in 1836.

• Nicholas Depuy — River Road, Shawnee on Delaware, Smithfield Township. Honors the first known settler in the region in 1727.

• Shawnee-Minisink Archaeological Site — 123 River Road, East Stroudsburg. It is the location of one of the earliest dated Native American sites in the Northeast.

• Smithfield Church — Route 2028, Shawnee on Delaware, Smithfield Township. It is considered the first church built by the settlers

• Sullivan’s March — Routes 611 and 513 at Old Mill Road, Tannersville. Gen. John Sullivan’s troops camped here near Learned’s Tavern on June 19, 1779.

• Sullivan’s March — 5818 Hamilton Road, East Stroudsburg. Gen. Sullivan’s troops stopped here at Brinker’s Mill in Sciota on their trek north to New York and the Iroquois villages.

In addition to this historical markers tour, there also are five other passport tours — each with their own prizes. They include:

• Museums and Cultural Centers — The passport includes 16 intriguing libraries, a railroad switch tower, and museums steeped in the deep history of Monroe County;

• National Historic Registry — Visit notable spots such as the Cold Spring Farmhouse, Zion Lutheran Church, and the Captain Shoemaker House;

• Theaters and Venues — Dives into the county’s music halls, theaters and cultural gathering places, such as the Shawnee Playhouse, Sherman Theater and the Pocono Raceway;

• Keystones — The 22 Keystones were painted by local artists for all the townships and boroughs in the county to honor the character of the municipality in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, and;

• Open Space — Highlights parks and trails throughout the county, such as the Levee Loop Trail, Cherry Valley Ridge Trail, Delaware Water Gap, and the various trails in the townships.