The National Road, Coal and Fancy Hotels

The National Road has sustained Frostburgfor almost two centuries. As the road wasbeing surveyed in 1811, Josiah Frost beganlaying out lots. Businesses, serving passingstagecoaches and wagons, soon lined adeveloping Main Street.

By the 1850s, travel along the road waseclipsed by railroads and canals. The town'sprosperity continued, however, with a livelytrade in locally produced coal and fire bricks.

The Gladstone Hotel brought the big city toFrostburg in 1897. Bellboys greeted the guestsand a New York chef impressed them with hisculinary skills. There were a hundred rooms, acaf? and a barbershop. The fifth floorobservatory allowed guests a view of thebeautiful countryside. Tennis courts and a pettingfarm provided recreation and entertainment forguests and their children. The hotel was revived bythe advent of the automobile, and its purchase byWilliam Gunter. Today, the Gunter Hotel stillwelcomes travelers along the Historic National Road.

(caption) You can still see thecockfighting arena and a jailthat William Gunter added tothe hotel in 1903 to bring in afew extra dollars. Lawmenescorting prisoners along theNational Road enjoyed acomfortable night's rest whilethe prisoners were secure below.

(caption) Frostburg's lively Main Streetin the 1930s. The Gunter Hotelwas a popular stop on the oldNational Road.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Frostburg, MD  |  Allegany County  |  21532  |  Maryland  |  United States of America

Frost Graves
Frostburg
Braddock Stone
The Naming of Frostburg
Cumberland and Pennsylvania Railroad Depot
Frost Hall
Old Main
Lowndes Hall
Old Main
Cook Chapel

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.