Historic National Road - Maryland
South Mountain, MD

South Mountain is rich in both history and landscape. U.S. 40 climbs the mountain through Turner's Gap, passing several early farmsteads. Near this gap, important Civil War actions occurred days before the Battle of Antietam in 1862. On top of South Mountain, the historic South Mountain Inn still greets hungry travelers. Across the road is the historic Dahlgren Chapel (private). Washington Monument State Park, located 0.3 miles to the north, boasts the nation's first monument to George Washington, erected by the citizens of Boonsboro in 1827. The park also provides a magnificent scenic overlook just minutes from U.S. 40. Recreation features include picnic shelters and playing fields, as well as excellent bird watching opportunities for the wildlife enthusiast.