Frederick in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Good Night's Rest
Frederick's Hotel Block
— The Historic National Road - The Road That Built The Nation —
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 9, 2007
1. A Good Night's Rest Marker
This part of downtown Frederick has long been a place of lodging and hospitality for travelers along the National Road. Kimball's Inn, Talbott's Tavern, the City Hotel and the Francis Scott Key Hotel have occupied this site for over two hundred years.
Among the many notable travelers was Revolutionary War hero, Frenchman Marquis de Lafayette. He was a visitor to Frederick on a triumphal tour of America. "He was received with pomp and parade. He last night attended a public dinner at Talbott's Tavern. He is now receiving the citizens and strangers at Talbotts & tonight he will attend a ball at Talbotts. Our whole town is in an uproar all about Lafayette." This news was recorded by Jacob Engelbrecht on December 30, 1824. He was an observer who left behind a vivid record through his diaries, of life along the 19th century National Road.
Erected by America's ByWays.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Lafayette’s Farewell Tour, and the The Historic National Road series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1938.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named A Good Night's Rest (here, next to this marker); John Hanson (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named John Hanson (within shouting distance of this marker); The Weinberg Center (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named John Hanson (within shouting distance of this marker); Arts & Entertainment (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Crossroads of American History (about 400 feet away); Market & Patrick Streets (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frederick.
More about this marker. On the lower left a photo carries the caption, "The City Hotel succeeded Talbott's Tavern on this site. It hosted many notable travelers, including President-elect William Henry Harrison, Senator Henry Clay, Mexican General Santa Anna, Inventor Alexandra Graham Bell and President Woodrow Wilson. On the eve of the Battle of Gettysburg in late June, 1863, 23-year-old
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 9, 2007
2. A Good Night's Rest Marker
The lower center has a picture explaining, "The City Hotel was finally demolished for 'a modern fire-proof hotel of 200 rooms partially air conditioned.' The Francis Scott Key Hotel opened to great fanfare on January 8, 1923."
A portrait of Lafayette explains that he "...visited Frederick in 1824, on a triumphal tour of America." The background of the marker is "National Road at Fairview Inn" which is the standard for this series.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker.
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 9, 2007
3. Francis Scott Key Hotel Apartments
Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,245 times since then and 51 times this year. Last updated on June 10, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 7, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
