Hagerstown in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Harmon Hotel

Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, February 23, 2008

1. The Harmon Hotel Marker

Inscription.
The Harmon Hotel stood here, one of more than 40 properties owned by Walter Harmon (1869-1915), a local African-American businessman who amassed a fortune in real estate.

A McGaheysville, VA native, Harmon had 10 children and 20 grandchildren. Most worked here before pursuing careers in education, medicine and business. Harmon's widow, Florence Keys Harmon, a native of Williamsport, managed this property until her passing in 1953.

When segregation shut local apartment and hotel doors; the Harmon Hotel hosted back teachers, entertainers and travelers. Their most prestigious guest was Willie Mays. In June 1950 the 19 year rookie came to Hagerstown with the Trenton Giants, a New York Giants farm team, for a weekend series against the local Boston Braves farm team.

Erected by Each One Teach One African American Historical Association of Western Maryland.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1950.

Location. 39° 38.782′ N, 77° 43.203′ W. Marker is in Hagerstown, Maryland, in Washington County. It is on Jonathan Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hagerstown MD 21740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region

and in Western Maryland.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

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.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Washington County Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Washington County Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Retreat from Gettysburg (about 800 feet away); Jonathan Hager (about 800 feet away); Jonathan Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bloom Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); This Bronze Cannon (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hagerstown.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Military Occupation (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. On the center of the marker is a portrait of Walter Harmon, 1869-1915. On the right side is a depiction of the hotel.

Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, February 23, 2008

2. The Harmon Hotel Marker

Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, February 23, 2008

3. The Harmon Hotel Marker

The Harmon Hotel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, August 22, 2017

4. The Harmon Hotel

Close-up of image on marker

Walter Harmon 1869-1915 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, August 22, 2017

5. Walter Harmon 1869-1915

Close-up of image on marker

Harmon Avenue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, August 22, 2017

6. Harmon Avenue

Harmon Alley has become Harmon Avenue.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,367 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 23, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 24, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.