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| Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print | | Near Bolivar in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic) |
South Mountain Summit
What an Ideal Location for a Break!
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By Craig Swain, June 9, 2007 | |
| | | 1. South Mountain Summit Marker | | |
Inscription. As early as 1750, Robert Turner bought land here on the top of South Mountain. The date of construction is unknown, but by 1790 a full-fledged inn was in operation at “Turner’s Gap.” Since then, the building has been in almost continuous use as an inn, tavern or private residence.
After the steep climb up South Mountain’s slope, horsemen, stagecoach drivers and passengers, even drover and teamsters, reveled in the luxury of the famous “Mountain House.” During its heyday, the inn boasted 21 rooms, including a bathhouse and a bowling alley. Utilitarian barns, pens, outhouses, a blacksmith shop, and smoke house surrounded it.
(sidebar) Beware of the “Snarly Yow.” Legend has it that the shadow of a black dog used to prowl the heights of South Mountain. One night, a huntsman, famous as a sure shot, encountered the beast. He aimed and fired his rifle. The shot went right through the animal with no effect. He fired again and again, each shot passing through the shadowy beast. Finally overcome with dread, the huntsman fled.
Marker series. This marker is included in the The Historic National Road marker series.
Location. 39° 29.067′ N, 77° 37.161′ W. Marker is near Bolivar, Maryland | | | | 
By Craig Swain, July 21, 2007 | |
| | | 2. The Marker with the Inn as a Backdrop | | |
, in Frederick County. Marker is at the intersection of Old National Road (Alternate U.S. 40) and Washington Monument Road, on the right when traveling west on Old National Road. Click for map. Located at a pull off from the Washington Monument Road, along side the Old National Road. Across the highway from the Old South Mountain Inn. Very close to the Frederick and Washington County line. The Appalachian Trail passes a few feet from the marker. Marker is in this post office area: Middletown MD 21769, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Turner's Pass Tablet T. P. 1 (within shouting distance of this marker); Turner's Pass Tablet T. P. 2 (within shouting distance of this marker); Turner's Pass Tablet T. P. 3 (within shouting distance of this marker); Turner's Pass Tablet T. P. 4 (within shouting distance of this marker); Turner's Pass Tablet T. P. 5 (within shouting distance of this marker); Turner's Pass Tablet T. P. 6 (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle at South Mountain (within shouting distance of this marker); 1862 Antietam Camapign (within shouting distance of this marker); 19th Century Backpacker (within shouting distance of this marker); John Collins (within shouting distance of this marker). Click for a list of all markers in Bolivar.
More about this marker. The marker features two pictures of the roadway along the gap, with the caption, “Spectacular views from the National Road as it descends the eastern slope of South Mountain have attracted travelers from near and far.” | | | | 
By Craig Swain, June 9, 2007 | |
| | | 3. The Old South Mountain Inn | | The inn still welcomes visitors, and is often reserved for special events. | | |
Also see . . .
1. History of the Old South Mountain Inn. (Submitted on July 9, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. A Discussion of National Road Milestones. (Submitted on July 29, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
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By Craig Swain, July 21, 2007 | |
| | | 4. Boundry Stone near the Marker? | 19th century marker, probably slate, of unknown origin. It may have been used to indicate the boundary between Frederick and Washington Counties, as it is placed such that travelers heading east would see the "F", indicating that they were entering Frederick County.
Thanks to Christopher Busta-Peck for the investigative work. | | |
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By Craig Swain, February 9, 2008 | |
| | | 5. Reverse of the Stone | | The "W" seen on the reverse should seal the case. This is a county boundary stone. | | |
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By George Constable, June 7, 2008 | |
| | | 6. South Mountain Inn | | |
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| Credits. This page originally submitted on July 9, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,512 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on July 9, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on July 29, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on July 9, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on July 29, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on February 10, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 6. submitted on June 12, 2008, by George . Constable of Hagerstown, Maryland. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page. | | Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print |
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