Grantsville in Garrett County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Leo J. Beachy
Photographing the National Road
— The Historic National Road - The Road That Built The Nation —
Photographed By J. J. Prats
1. Leo J. Beachy Marker
“My camera lens does not lie. It took just what it saw, no more, no less.” –Leo Beachy
Leo J. Beachy (1874–1927) left us a special legacy. One of seven children raised on a farm named Mt. Nebo, he lived in these mountains all his life. He enjoyed drawing pictures and began his career as a teacher. At thirty-one, he found his real calling.
“What induced me to take up photography was that I wanted our home photographer to go to that old log school where I taught my first school and take some pictures of it and the great hills lying about it and the rocky Savage River. He never got the pictures for me.”
For the next two decades, Beachy lovingly chronicled the mountains, the villages and the travelers who passed on the National Road. He was stricken with multiple sclerosis and, as he weakened, his sister Kate drove him and carried him to spots where he could work. Made on glass plates, there are 2500 of his distinctive photographs remaining, a priceless record of a lost era on the National Road.
Erected by America's Byways.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the The Historic National Road series list.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Leo J. Beachy (here, next to this marker); The National Road (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Casselman Hotel (approx. ¼ mile away); Traveling the National Road (approx. ¼ mile away); Early Inns (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grantsville.
More about this marker. Another “The Historic National Road. The Road that Built the Nation” America's Byways marker.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker.
Also see . . . Leo J Beachy. Find A Grave website entry (Submitted on January 31, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 7, 2006
2. Marker In Front of First State Bank Building
The building was the Ruth Enlow Library and is now the Granstville Community Museum.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 7, 2006
3. Over the Door
Founded 1816. Rebuilt 1920.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 7, 2006
4. Brass Tablet to the Right of the Door
Ruth Enlow Library, Grantsville Branch. Mrs. Lewis R. Jones, President, Board of Trustees. This building donated by Liberty Trust Co. of Maryland, 1967. Denton A. Fuller, President.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,652 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 7, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
