Grantsville, Maryland

Grantsville boasts a unique and rich history dating back to the 1700s. Nemacolin’s Path, connecting Wills Creek (Cumberland, MD) to Redstone Old Fort (Brownsville, PA), became a popular packhorse route in 1750s, connecting towns and waterways for better transportation. During the same time, Braddock’s Road was built by the troops of British General Edward Braddock at the start of the French and Indian War. The route was used to move troops and supplies as they made their way to current day Pittsburgh, PA. During this time, George Washington traveled Braddock’s Trail, crossing through the Grantsville area several times. 

In the early 1800s, The National Road (or Cumberland Road) was established, connecting Cumberland, MD to Wheeling, WV. The Casselman River Bridge was constructed during the early part of The National Road in 1813 and was the largest single span bridge in the country. Passengers would embark from Baltimore and Washington on trains and then transfer to stagecoaches and ride the national road to their destination. This road would see steady traffic through the 1850s as B&O Railroad improvements began to outdate stagecoach transportation. The bridge was open to traffic until 1953. 

The town of Grantsville was incorporated in 1864 and was part of Allegany County before Garrett County was established in 1872. Grantsville was almost the county seat at the time, losing the vote by 5% to Oakland. You can view more Grantsville History on the town’s website here🡵.