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“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
Near Grantsville in Garrett County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
REMOVED
SEE LOCATION SECTION
 

Negro Mountain

The Highest Point on the National Road

— The Historic National Road - The Road That Built The Nation —

 
 
Negro Mountain Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 11, 2006
1. Negro Mountain Marker
Inscription.
You have reached the highest point on the National Road. Here, in the far western mountains of Maryland is the backbone of eastern America. In 1817, the National Road construction crew took on the challenge of crossing this tough terrain by laying a crushed stone road surface and building a stone bridge over nearby Puzzley Run.

By the 1930s, the National Road evolved into an asphalt and concrete ribbon. This improved road surface inspired a new generation of travelers to “hit the road,” and a new road culture began to emerge. Although the curves were straightened, and the grade a bit gentler, travel was still tough over Negro Mountain.

At almost 3000 feet, this is the highest point on the National Road through all six states. Descending Negro Mountain required early drivers to pay close attention to their brakes.

High Point camp catered to travelers that commonly packed camping gear and joined other auto campers in grounds provided by entrepreneurs.

The Naming of Negro Mountain. Nemesis, a black frontiersman, was killed here while fighting Indians with Maryland frontiersman Thomas Cresap in the 1750s. Legend tells us that he had a premonition of his death. In his honor, they named this mountain after him.
 
Erected by America's Byways.
 
Topics and series.
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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African AmericansNatural ResourcesRoads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the The Historic National Road series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1817.
 
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 42.374′ N, 79° 12.68′ W. Marker was near Grantsville, Maryland, in Garrett County. Marker was at the intersection of National Pike (Alternate U.S. 40) and Zehner Road, on the left when traveling west on National Pike. Marker is at a roadside picnic area at the crest of the mountain. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 5386 National Pike, Grantsville MD 21536, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Negro Mountain (here, next to this marker); Keyser's Ridge (approx. 2.1 miles away); General Braddock’s 5th Camp (approx. 2.1 miles away); The Fuller-Baker House (approx. 2.2 miles away); The National Road (approx. 3 miles away); Leo J. Beachy
Negro Mountain Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 11, 2006
2. Negro Mountain Marker
(approx. 3 miles away); Casselman Hotel (approx. 3.2 miles away); Traveling the National Road (approx. 3.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grantsville.
 
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker.
 
Also see . . .  A photo essay showing the Puzzley Run bridge and road relocation. (Submitted on March 31, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.)
 
The Puzzley Run stone bridge image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, September 22, 2007
3. The Puzzley Run stone bridge
A nearby bridge on the National Road, as mentioned on the marker.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 18,229 times since then and 106 times this year. Last updated on February 15, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on August 18, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.   3. submitted on March 31, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.

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Mar. 18, 2024