This week Garrett County celebrates the National Road Festival in Grantsville, Maryland – an annual event that celebrates the historic National Road, also known as U.S. Route 40. The National Road Festival is celebrated along the road across Maryland, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. 

Piece of History

The National Road was one of the first federally-funded highways in the United States and was built in the early 1800s to connect the eastern seaboard to the western frontier. It played an important role in the country’s westward expansion and is recognized as a National Scenic Byway.

I always enjoy visiting Grantsville and have painted some subject matter from the area more than once, including Stanton’s Mill and the Casselman River Bridge which served as an important link on the National Road from 1813 to 1933.

Artwork from the National Road

If You’re Traveling the National Road

If you find yourself in Grantsville, visit Spruce Forest Artisan Village and Penn Alps Restaurant and Craft Shop. The Craft Shop carries my cards and prints along with a variety of talented artisans’ work.