Frostburg in Allegany County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Frostburg
The National Road, Coal and Fancy Hotels
— The Historic National Road - The Road That Built The Nation —
The National Road has sustained Frostburg for almost two centuries. As the road was being surveyed in 1811, Josiah Frost began laying out lots. Businesses, serving passing stagecoaches and wagons, soon lined a developing Main Street.
By the 1850s, travel along the road was eclipsed by railroads and canals. The town’s prosperity continued, however, with a lively trade in locally produced coal and fire bricks.
The Gladstone Hotel brought the big city to Frostburg in 1897. Bellboys greeted the guests and a New York chef impressed them with his culinary skills. There were a hundred rooms, a café and a barbershop. The fifth floor observatory allowed guests a view of the beautiful countryside. Tennis courts and a petting farm provided recreation and entertainment for guests and their children. The hotel was revived by the advent of the automobile, and its purchase by William Gunter. Today, the Gunter Hotel still welcomes travelers along the Historic National Road.
[Captions:]
You can still see the cockfighting arena and a jail that William Gunter added to the hotel in 1903 to bring in a few extra dollars. Lawmen escorting prisoners along the National Road enjoyed a comfortable night’s rest while the prisoners were secure below.
Frostburg’s lively Main Street in the 1930s. The Gunter Hotel was a popular stop on the old National Road.
Erected by America's Byways; Maryland Heritage Area Authority.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the The Historic National Road series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1811.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 39.483′ N, 78° 55.738′ W. Marker was in Frostburg, Maryland, in Allegany County. Marker was on East Main Street west of Water Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Frostburg MD 21532, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Frostburg (here, next to this marker); In Memoriam (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named In Memoriam (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named In Memoriam (within shouting distance of this marker); The Memorial Window (within shouting distance of this marker); Frost Graves (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Braddock Stone (about 600 feet away); St. Michael's Parish Hall (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frostburg.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker, which has different subtitles.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,773 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 14, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4. submitted on June 29, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.