Clear Spring in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Road Nurtures a Vision
The Historic National Road and Clear Spring
| — | The Road That Built The Nation | — |
"The citizens at all times aim to be surpassed by no other town in the County."
Martin Lohr, Clear Spring historian, 1890's
In 1821, Martin Myers chose a site that straddled a "clear spring" at the foot of Fairview Mountain to lay out a village he called "Myersville." Fifteen years later the town was called "Clear Spring" and its 700 thriving inhabitants provided services for travelers on the National Road. As many as twenty-four stagecoaches passed through the town each day. Seven hotels offered food and lodging — twelve cents a night for a bed shared by three strangers.
Twenty-five shoemakers, six tailors, four blacksmiths, three wheel wrights, three wagon makers, three saddlers, and endless store keepers kept busy as the National Road flourished.
Today, many of the early buildings remain and the faces of characters from the National Road provide a glimpse into its past.
[Sidebar:]
Special Delivery
In the early 1900's J. Franklin Clopper hauled goods between Hagerstown and Clear Spring. In the summer he delivered ice to housewives who were churning butter or making ice cream. In 1914, he sold his horses and wagons and bought a two-ton Brockway truck for $2,000 — the first truck in Clear Spring.
Erected by Maryland
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the The Historic National Road series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1821.
Location. 39° 39.406′ N, 77° 55.693′ W. Marker is in Clear Spring, Maryland, in Washington County. It is at the intersection of Cumberland Street (U.S. 40) and South Mill Street, on the right when traveling west on Cumberland Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 202 Cumberland St, Clear Spring MD 21722, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Western 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 3 miles of this
Other markers no longer nearby. A Road Nurtures A Vision (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Gettysburg Campaign (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).
Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 13, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
