Historic LaVale Toll Gate House Open This Season to Visitors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Allegany County Office of Tourism
701 Kelly Road
Cumberland, MD 21502
P 301-777-ALCO (2526)
aworkman@alleganygov.org
www.mdmountainside.com 

 

Historic LaVale Toll Gate House Open This Season to Visitors

April 20, 2022 - CUMBERLAND, MD – Allegany County Tourism is excited to announce the opening of the LaVale Toll Gate House for guided tours during the 2022 season.

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. 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. Today, you can travel this state and nationally designated Historic National Road Scenic Byway to uncover pieces of America’s early transportation history, and you can explore a piece of living history at the LaVale Toll Gate House, America's first toll house on the National Road.

LaVale’s 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 the last remaining toll house in Maryland and is listed on the National Register for Historic Places.

Visitors can experience a piece of living history and learn more about this integral part of the Historic National Road story through guided tours offered on the following dates. There is no cost to tour the Toll House.



APRIL

Saturday, April 23 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

MAY

Saturday, May 14 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Thursday, May 19 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Friday, May 20 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Saturday, May 21 - 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Saturday, May 28 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

JUNE

Saturday, June 11 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Saturday, June 25 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

JULY

Saturday, July 9 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Saturday, July 30 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

AUGUST

Saturday, August 13 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Saturday August 27 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

SEPTEMBER

Friday, September 9 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Saturday, September 10 - 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Sunday, September 11 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Saturday, September 24 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

OCTOBER

Saturday, October 1- 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Saturday, October 22 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

This project was made possible through the Tourism Development Grant offered by the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area. The LaVale Toll Gate House is located at 14302 National Highway SW, Cumberland, MD 21502. For more information, please visit www.mdmountainside.com. 

###

 

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 $160 million in visitor spending and $47 million in tourism tax revenues annually. Source: Tourism Economics