La Vale Tollgate House - La Vale, MD - U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Waymarking.com

Toll houses were built along the National Road as a result of a 25 year national debate as to whether or not the federal government should be responsible for funding road improvements. While there was agreement on the idea that those who used the road should help defray maintenance costs, it was also thought unconstitutional for the federal government to charge tolls. The debate was finally resolved when it was decided to transfer ownership of the National Road to individual states. After Maryland accepted ownership, an elaborate system of rates and fares was established based on the estimated amount of damage different vehicles and animals could cause the road. During the La Vale Toll House's first year of operation, almost $10,000 was collected.



Toll collectors earned $200 a year and had free living quarters. "Pikers," travelers unwilling to pay tolls, made it difficult for toll keepers, as they tried to escape by avoiding the road. The Addison and Searights Toll Houses are of similar architecture, and can still be seen as you continue west on the National Road into Pennsylvania.

The La Vale Toll House was built to look like a gatehouse, lending it an interesting shape. The two-story brick structure has seven sides; five are equal in length while two are longer.

Street address: U. S. Route 40 La Vale, MD United States 21502 County / Borough / Parish: Allegany County Year listed: 1971 Historic (Areas of) Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering Periods of significance: 1825-1849 Historic function: Transportation Current function: Recreation And Culture Privately owned?: no Season start / Season finish: From: 05/01/2007 To: 10/31/2007 Primary Web Site: [Web Link] Secondary Website 1: [Web Link] Hours of operation: Not listed Secondary Website 2: Not listed National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   10/13/2021 wildernessmama visited it 08/30/2013 r.e.s.t.seekers visited it 01/28/2012 dukemartin visited it 10/08/2011 suchanana visited it 01/26/2009 Mother Wolf visited it 06/25/2008 HaricotVert_52 visited it 05/31/2008 DudleyGrunt visited it 01/25/2008 Mountain Junkie visited it 08/19/2007 Al & Mylea visited it

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