Grantsville in Garrett County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Fuller-Baker House
A Rare Log Building with a Pedigree
— The Historic National Road - The Road That Built The Nation —
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 11, 2006
1. The Fuller-Baker House Marker
This humble log cabin is a rare survivor of a common dwelling built by early settlers on the Allegheny frontier. Built after 1813 as a two-story log building, its large size has led some to believe it was once used as a tavern, giving respite to travelers along the National Road. It would be the only log tavern to survive on the old National Road between Cumberland and Wheeling, West Virginia.
Henry Fuller came to the Grantsville area in 1837 to work as a stonemason. His talents with stone and brick are still on display in several town buildings. He opened the National Hotel, the finest in the young community, but soon moved here, where he spent the rest of his life. The Bakers, also early settlers in the Grantsville area, were subsequent owners.
A Historic House on Historic Land. the Fuller-Baker House sits on land with an early-American pedigree. General Braddock's British army chose the site for its fifth camp as it marched to meet the French at Fort Duquesne in 1755.
In 1791, Thomas Johnson (1732—1819), Maryland's first governor, purchased 23,000 acres of Military Lots, fifty acre tracts of unclaimed land set aside by Maryland to reward Revolutionary War veterans. The Fuller-Baker House site (Military Lot No. 2206) was a part of that purchase.
Erected by
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the The Historic National Road series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1813.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 41.765′ N, 79° 10.335′ W. Marker was in Grantsville, Maryland, in Garrett County. Marker could be reached from National Pike (Alternate U.S. 40) west of Shade Hollow Road, on the right when traveling west. Use Exit 19 on I-68. Touch for map. Marker was 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 2 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named The Fuller-Baker House (here, next to this marker); General Braddock’s 5th Camp (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The National Road (approx. 0.8 miles away); Leo J. Beachy (approx. 0.9 miles away); Casselman Hotel (approx. 1.1 miles away); Traveling the National Road (approx. 1.1 miles away); Early Inns (approx. 1.1 miles away); Casselman River Bridge State Park (approx. 1˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grantsville.
Related marker.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 11, 2006
2. Fuller-Baker Log House and Marker
This is the side that faced the National Road. The present alignment of US 40 can be seen behind the house.
circa 1979
3. The Fuller-Baker House
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 11, 2006
4. Fuller Baker Log House, Rear View
This is the view you see when you approach on U.S. 40 heading east. When heading west, you can miss the house for the trees.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 11, 2006
5. Stonemason's Mark Over Coal Scuttle
You'll have to click on the image to zoom in. A stonemason's chisel and hammer are carved into a log over what might have been the coal scuttle to cellar.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 11, 2006
6. Abandoned National Road Bridge over Shade Run, Next to House
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 11, 2006
7. Abandoned National Road Bridge over Shade Run, Next to House
Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,932 times since then and 53 times this year. Last updated on January 23, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 11, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on November 8, 2016. 4. submitted on August 11, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 12, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
