Near Grantsville in Garrett County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Negro Mountain
The Highest Point on the National Road
— The Historic National Road —
You have reached the highest point on the National Road. Here, in the far western mountains of Maryland is the backbone of eastern America. In 1817, the National Road construction crew took on the challenge of crossing this tough terrain by laying a crushed stone road surface and building a stone bridge over nearby Puzzley Run.
By the 1930s, the National Road evolved into an asphalt and concrete ribbon. This improved road surface inspired a new generation of travelers to “hit the road,” and a new road culture began to emerge. Although the curves were straightened, and the grade a bit gentler, travel was still tough over Negro Mountain.
At almost 3000 feet, this is the highest point on the National Road through all six states. Descending Negro Mountain required early drivers to pay close attention to their brakes.
High Point camp catered to travelers that commonly packed camping gear and joined other auto campers in grounds provided by entrepreneurs.
The Naming of Negro Mountain. Nemesis, a black frontiersman, was killed here while fighting Indians with Maryland frontiersman Thomas Cresap
this page online
Erected by America's Byways.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Natural Resources • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the The Historic National Road series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1817.
Location. 39° 42.374′ N, 79° 12.68′ W. Marker is near Grantsville, Maryland, in Garrett County. Marker is at the intersection of National Pike (Alternate U.S. 40) and Zehner Road, on the left when traveling west on National Pike. Marker is at a roadside picnic area at the crest of the mountain. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Grantsville MD 21536, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Keyser's Ridge (approx. 2.1 miles away); General Braddock’s 5th Camp (approx. 2.1 miles away); The Fuller-Baker House (approx. 2.2 miles away); The National Road (approx. 3 miles away); Leo J. Beachy (approx. 3 miles away); Casselman Hotel (approx. 3.2 miles away); Traveling the National Road (approx. 3.2 miles away); Early Inns (approx. 3.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grantsville.
Also see . . . A photo essay showing the Puzzley Run bridge and road relocation
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 11, 2006
2. Negro Mountain Marker
This is a previous version of the marker. The text is identical (except the subtitle), and formatting is slightly different.
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, September 22, 2007
4. The Puzzley Run stone bridge
A nearby bridge on the National Road, as mentioned on the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 17,717 times since then and 129 times this year. Last updated on February 15, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Photos: 1. submitted on July 19, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on August 18, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on July 19, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 4. submitted on March 31, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
