MD Scenic Byways • Digital Guide • Historic National Road

In the 1800s, thousands of settlers crossed the Appalachian Mountains and headed west on the dirt, macadam and cobblestone-covered National Road, America’s first federally funded highway.

Construction of “The Road That Built The Nation” began in 1811 and required four decades of hard labor to complete from Baltimore to Vandalia, Illinois. During that time, the sight of train tracks signaled a shift in transportation priorities. But horse-drawn Conestoga wagons still lugged building materials and supplies along the highway, while westward-bound families rode stagecoaches and carriages, stopping frequently to take advantage of friendly towns that sprouted inns, taverns, blacksmith shops and wagon yards. Today, people enjoy traveling on Maryland’s portion of the Historic National Road to romanticize about life as it was for those early pioneers and find the friendly towns that have endured.

The first portion of the National Road — originally known as the Baltimore National Pike — begins at water’s edge in the Inner Harbor area. After enjoying shopping, fine dining and walking to harborside attractions, you can follow Lombard Street toward several historic neighborhoods, including Union Square, which journalist H.L. Mencken called home. Your next stop is the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum, located inside a beautifully restored roundhouse.

West of the city is Catonsville, which was developed in 1810 and became a hot spot for summer homes when linked to downtown Baltimore by electric trolley lines. Before crossing the Patapsco River, drive through the town of Oella, which contains a 142-acre historical park and museum dedicated to African-American mathematician Benjamin Banneker, who helped calculate Washington, D.C.’s boundaries. Beyond the Patapsco River, Ellicott City has antiques shops and unique restaurants in historic buildings. This old mill town features America’s oldest surviving railroad station, as well as Thomas Isaac’s Log Cabin, which served as a National Road way station.

Next comes Mount Airy. Formerly a railroad and turnpike town, it now features an interesting concentration of vineyards that are open for tours and picnics. This area is also popular for its boutiques and antiques, more of which you will find down the road in New Market.

Recognized as one of America’s most distinctive destinations, downtown Frederick is the hub from which charming Main Street communities, romantic accommodations and inspirational attractions fan out like the spokes of a wagon wheel. Two centuries of architecture are represented at numerous homes and public buildings, including the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. The town also features entertainment ranging from dinner theater productions to minor-league baseball. At the end of a long day, one of Frederick’s inns or bed and breakfasts is a welcome sight.

As you head out beyond Braddock Heights and the farming village of Middletown, consider making time for a sidetrack into Washington Monument State Park, site of the first monument erected in George Washington’s honor. The park is also located along a noted migratory bird flyway, so bring your binoculars.

Continuing west, the farmland of Funkstown is dotted with Pennsylvania- Dutch bank barns and smaller English-style structures.

So many early railroad companies were linked into Hagerstown that it earned the nickname “Hub City.” The C&O Canal also flowed through this area, which now draws legions of bicyclists and hikers. The town itself — featuring the South Prospect Street Historic District — has a roundhouse museum among several other sites dedicated to preserving local history.

Traveling along US 40, look for the small waterfront park that offers a fine view of the five stone arches that support the 210-foot-long Wilson Bridge. Dating back to 1819, it’s the oldest and longest bridge of its kind in Washington County. Passing through Clear Spring, site of the 160-year-old Wilson Country School and Store, you can sidetrack south along MD 56 to Fort Frederick State Park. Based in Big Pool, the fort was the cornerstone of Maryland’s defense more than 250 years ago during the French & Indian War.

Next in line is Hancock, where the C & O Canal National Historical Park offers a deeper exploration of canal life. After a climb up Sideling Hill, which was the scene of many stagecoach mishaps due to the steep turns, you’re ready for a relaxing round of golf amid the ridges and valleys of Rocky Gap Casino Resort, followed by a satisfying stay there or in Cumberland.

Cumberland, like Hagerstown, was a transportation crossroads with ties to highway, railroad and canal transportation, and is now just as popular for its galleries, theaters and museums.

A scenic train ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad or an exhilarating bike ride on the Great Allegheny Passage rail trail takes you to Frostburg, site of the nationally known Thrasher Carriage Museum.

In LaVale, the route passes Maryland’s only remaining National Road toll gate house, outside of which a plaque still displays the cost for wagons, animals and pedestrians to pass.

Conestoga wagons once crossed the Casselman River Bridge, a singlespan, stone-arch structure built for the National Road near Grantsville in 1813. Access to the bridge is available from a former stagecoach stop that is now known as the Spruce Forest Artisan Village and serves as a cultural center promoting local arts, crafts and music. US 40 Alternate then winds through the northern section of Savage River State Forest and over Keysers Ridge to the Mason-Dixon Line.

TRIP TIPS: Plan several days to enjoy recreational opportunities along the byway. Small towns on the byway can fulfill your travel needs.

WESTERN MARYLAND SCENIC RAILROAD & THE OLD FROSTBURG DEPOT
Cumberland • 301-876-2887
www.wmsr.com

For information about amenities found along this byway, please refer to the chart on page 62.

Thirty miles south of Grantsville, the Deep Creek Lake area offers year-round recreation that ranges from boating, fishing and water skiing on Maryland’s largest freshwater lake to snowtubing and skiing down Wisp Mountain. Campgrounds and vacation rental properties are among many lodging options.

The LaVale Toll Gate House collected $9,745.90 in tolls during its first year of operation, 1836.

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Historic National Road

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