Frostburg in Allegany County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Naming of Frostburg

Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 11, 2021

1. The Naming of Frostburg Marker

Inscription. Contrary to popular belief that it was named for its frigid winter weather, Frostburg can trace its history back to 1800 when the community was known as Mt. Pleasant. By the time the National Road (authorized by Congress in 1806) opened through in 1812, Josiah Frost, Meshach's father, had already bought a tract of land and laid off a series of "town lots" along the road's route. It was Meshach who built a home upon lot 1 and it was here he brought Catherine after their marriage in June 1812. With stage coach service to Frostburg in 1818, the house became an inn along the National Road and became known as Highland Hall (site now occupied by St. Michael's rectory which was built in 1871). As the town grew it became known as "Frost Town". After the first post office was established by 1820, with Meshach as first postmaster, the present name of Frostburg came into being. The Frosts later resided in the Frost Mansion (Frost Avenue), a home constructed in 1846 and both remained there until their deaths. They had nine children including Nathan, Frostburg's first mayor.

Drawing
Founders of Frostburg
Catherine Frost Born 1792 Died 1876
Meshach Frost Born 1787 Died 1863

Photograph from "Frostburg Sesquicentennial Souvenir Book, 1812-1962", Published by the Frostburg Sesquicentennial Committee, 1962. Narrative by Albert L. Feldstein

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the The Historic National Road series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1812.

Location. 39° 39.446′ N, 78° 55.47′ W. Marker is in Frostburg, Maryland, in Allegany County. It is on Depot Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Frostburg MD 21532, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western

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Maryland.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cumberland and Pennsylvania Railroad Depot (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Michael's Parish Hall (about 700 feet away); The Braddock Stone (approx. 0.2 miles away); Frost Graves (approx. 0.2 miles away); Frostburg (approx. 0.2 miles away); The National Road (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Cumberland and Pennsylvania Railroad (approx. 0.2 miles away); Coal Mining (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frostburg.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Frostburg (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, August 8, 2013

2. The Naming of Frostburg Marker

Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 11, 2021

3. The Naming of Frostburg Marker

Marker is seen at the far left.

Catherine and Meshach Frost image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, August 8, 2013

4. Catherine and Meshach Frost

Frost Mansion image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, August 8, 2013

5. Frost Mansion

Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2013, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,907 times since then and 98 times this year. Last updated on March 6, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on September 11, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 2. submitted on August 9, 2013, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on September 11, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on August 9, 2013, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.