LaVale Toll House 2024 Season

America's first road trip started here in Allegany County 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 for the first time, 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. Interpretive signage on the site of the toll house shows the original toll rates, a system developed on the estimated damage certain vehicles and animals could cause to the road. Rates were identified for scores of sheep or hogs, scores of cattle, horse and rider, chaise and sleigh, sleighs drawn by horse or oxen, and wagons with varying wheel sizes. The toll house collected about $10,000 in its first year.

Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, is excited to announce the opening the LaVale Toll Gate House for tours during the 2024 season. Visitors will get to experience a piece of living history and learn more about this integral part of the Historic National Road story. Stop by the location on the following dates for interpretive history and a glimpse back in time.

2024 DATES:

May

Friday, May 17 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Saturday, May 18 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

June

Thursday, June 13 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm - MUSEUM WEEK
Friday, June 14 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm - MUSEUM WEEK
Saturday, June 15 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm - MUSEUM WEEK
Sunday, June 16 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm - MUSEUM WEEK