Traveling the Lincoln Highway
Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor
Carved out of a remote wilderness, McConnellsburg served the flood of travelers heading west in the late 18th century. Taverns, like the Fulton House, sprang up all along the packhorse trail from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.
Whether by foot, on horseback, or stagecoach, early travelers faced the challenges of crossing high ridges. It isn't surprising that early automobiles struggled with the same steep grades. The graph to the right reveals the summits to the east and west of this valley. Towns, such as McConnellsburg, were welcome respites for early motorists.
The log structure at the rear of the Fulton House was built in 1770. The house itself, built in 1793, sits on a lot originally deeded from Daniel McConnell, founder of McConnellsburg. According to the 1924 Complete Official Road Guide of the Lincoln Highway, the Fulton House was one of four hotels in town. In addition, “the town had 6 garages, 2 banks, 25 general businesses, and 2 newspapers.” The eastern section of the Fulton House was rebuilt after a 1944 fire gutted that part of the building. Listed in the National Register of Historic places in 1977, the building currently houses municipal offices and the Fulton County Historical Society.
Throughout its history, Fulton House has been a popular stop, hosting John and Abigail Adams, William Henry Harrison, Zachary Taylor, James Buchanan, and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Photo caption for the Lincoln Highway marker:
In 1928, more than 3,000 of these markers were placed along the Lincoln Highway from New York City to San Francisco. The marker next to the Fulton House was relocated from Tuscarora Summit in 1992. Fewer than two dozen markers remain in Pennsylvania.
Marker is on Lincoln Highway East (U.S. 30), on the left when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
