Guided Tours Available in 2023 at the Historic LaVale Toll Gate House
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Allegany County Office of Tourism
701 Kelly Road
Cumberland, MD 21502
301.876.9595
aworkman@alleganygov.org
www.mdmountainside.com
Guided Tours Available in 2023 at the Historic LaVale Toll Gate House
Scheduled dates available May through October
April 27, 2023 - CUMBERLAND, MD – Allegany County Tourism is excited to announce the return of guided tour dates at the LaVale Toll Gate House for the 2023 season.
The National Road began construction in 1811 as a way to connect Cumberland, MD, to the Ohio River and quickly became the main transportation route to the Trans-Appalachian West. So, you can say - America's first road trip started here in Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, at mile marker "0" of the Historic National Road - a road that expanded trade and commerce, fueled settlers’ westward migration, and set the foundation for modern federal highway systems across America.
Today, you can travel this state and nationally designated Historic National Road Scenic Byway to discover pieces of America’s early transportation history, and you can also explore a piece of living history at the LaVale Toll Gate House, this seven-sided toll gate house was the first constructed toll house on the National Road after the state took ownership of the Maryland portion of the National Road in 1835. It is also the last remaining toll house in Maryland.
Visitors can learn more about this integral part of the Historic National Road story through guided tours offered every other Saturday starting May 6, through October 21 from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Extended days are available over the annual National Road Festival, Museum Week, and Heritage Days Festival weekends. Dates include: May 6 and 20; June 3, 4, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18; July 1, 15 and 29; August 12 and 26; September 9, 10 and 23; October 7 and 21.
There is no cost to tour the Toll House. The LaVale Toll Gate House is located at 14302 National Highway SW, Cumberland, MD 21502. For more information, please visit www.mdmountainside.com.
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Allegany County Tourism
Allegany County Tourism is the official tourism office for Allegany County, Maryland. Allegany County Tourism enhances the quality of life in Allegany County, Maryland, and strengthens destination awareness through promotion, development, and services that attract visitors to stay longer and spend more in our community. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging options, and community events can be found at www.mdmountainside.com. Tourism supports 3,600 jobs in Allegany County, generating $183 million in visitor spending and $48 million in tourism tax revenues annually. Source: Tourism Economics