Clear Spring in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Road Nurtures A Vision
The Historic National Road and Clear Spring
| — | The Historic National Road - The Road That Built The Nation | — |
Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 5, 2006
1. A Road Nurtures A Vision Marker
“The citizens at all times aim to be surpassed by no other town in the County.” –Martin Lehr, 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
this page online
(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 America's Byways.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the The Historic National Road series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1821.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 39.406′ N, 77° 55.691′ W. Marker was in Clear Spring, Maryland, in Washington County. It was at the intersection of Cumberland
Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 5, 2006
2. Markers in Front of the Town's Telephone Exchange
Regionally, this marker was in Western Maryland. It was also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Vital Crossroads (here, next to this marker); A Road Nurtures a Vision (here, next to this marker); Clear Spring (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort Frederick (approx.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 5, 2006
3. Town of Clear Spring, Circa 1877
Map erected in 2002 by the Clear Spring Homemakers. Click on image to enlarge.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Gettysburg Campaign (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 5, 2006
4. Hand Pump
Small brass plaque reads: Restored in memory of C.E. Hawbaker, Major, Clear Spring, MD.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 5, 2006
5. Log House Across the Street on Mill Street South
Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 17, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,066 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 17, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
