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Battle of South Mountain • Turner’s Gap • Fox’s Gap • Crampton’s Gap

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The South Mountain Summit wayside marker is on the north side of Alternate U.S. Route 40 where it crests South Mountain across from the Old South Mountain Inn. It is behind the set of six War Department historical markers.

From the marker:

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 a full-fledged inn was in operation at “Turner’s Gap.” Since then, the building has been in almost continuous use as an inn, tavern or private residence.

After the steep climb up South Mountain’s slope, horsemen, 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 smoke house surrounded it.

From the caption to the photo on the left:

Between Hagerstown and Frederick

From the caption to the center photo:

Spectacular views from the National Road as it descends the eastern slope of South Mountain have attracted travelers from near and far.

From the sidebar on the right:

Beware of the “Snarly Yow”

Legend has it that the shadow of a black dog used to prowl the heights of South Mountain. One night, a huntsman, famous as a sure shot, encountered the beast. He aimed and fired his rifle. The shot went right through the animal with no effect. He fired again and again, each shot passing through the shadowy beast. finally, overcome with dread, the huntsman fled.