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The Historic National Road: The Road That Built The Nation:
South Mountain Summit: What an Ideal Location for a Break!
As early as 1750, Robert Turner bought land here on the top of South Mountain. The date of construction is unknown, but by 1790 of full-fledged in was in operation at "Turner's Gap.". Since then, the building has been an almost continuous use as an inn, tavern or private residence.
After the steep climb up South Mountain's slope, horse men, stagecoach drivers and passengers, even drovers and Teamsters, reveled in the luxury of the famous "Mountain House." During its heyday, the inn boasted 21 rooms, including a bathhouse and a bowling alley. Utilitarian barns, pens, outhouses, a blacksmith shop and smokehouse surrounded it. |