The National

The National. Stroll Through History. , One of the largest hotels in this area once flourished on this corner., When the National was built in 1838, it was one of a handful of businesses that dotted State Street. Jerseyville was in its infancy, and Jersey County had not yet been founded. , In its early years, the National was an upscale hotel that catered to politicians, lawyers, and other high-class travelers. It was also rumored to be a stop on the Underground Railroad., By the turn of the century, the hotel was showing her age but boasted 20 "sleeping apartments" with "a large saloon and sample room parlors on the ground floor where the choicest wines and liquors were dispensed by accommodating attendants.", In 1901, a small fire ignited behind the hotel, and flames soon engulfed the massive wooden structure and 3 adjacent businesses. All were lost. , The present structure was built the following year to house the National Dry Goods store. In 1903, John Bertman was named store manager and later bought out his partners. After his death in 1928, the family changed the store's name to Bertman's Dry Goods and Clothing Store. It was later shortened to Bertman's. , Bertman's was a staple in Jerseyville's business district for nearly 85 years before Bob and Karen Bertman retired in 1999.