Zittlestown in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
South Mountain Summit
What an Ideal Location for a Break!
| | The Road That Built The Nation | |
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 Turners Gap. Since then, the building has been in almost continuous use as an inn, tavern or private residence.
After the steep climb up South Mountains 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.
Erected by America's Byways; Maryland Heritage Areas Authority; National Road Museum.
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Location. 39° 29.067′ N, 77° 37.161′ W. Marker is in Zittlestown, Maryland, in Frederick County. It is on Old National Pike (Alternate U.S. 40) east of Washington Monument Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1504 Old National Pike, Middletown MD 21769, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. 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 and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 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
Other markers no longer nearby. South Mountain Summit (has been replaced with this marker); Dalgren Chapel (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); 19th Century Backpacker (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker, which has subtle differences in subtitles and credited erecting organizations.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 308 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 12, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
