Historic Site on National Road Nominated by the Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History
GRANTSVILLE, MD (October 12, 2023) – Members of the Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Pittsburgh Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History hosted a celebration today for the formal unveiling of the Historical Marker for Negro Mountain African American Historic Site in Garrett County. The marker commemorates an unknown African American frontiersman who died May 24, 1756, fighting alongside Col. Thomas Cresap during a battle against the Native American French allies.
“Negro Mountain African American Historic Site Marker atop the National Road in Garrett County, Maryland, is a rare commemoration of African Americans’ role in the history of Colonial Maryland,” said Ronald B. Saunders, President of the Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch, Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
Allegheny Mountain Range is part of the Appalachian Mountain Range and stretches from north central Pennsylvania, through Garrett County to eastern West Virginia. The marker is located near a pull-off area on Alt US 40 (National Pike) near Zehner Road.
“This marker shows the unique collaboration among the Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary’s Office; Dr. Artie Travis, Vice President of Student Affairs at Frostburg State University; and the Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, located in Pittsburgh, Pa., to tell the story accurately of the brave Black frontiersman for whom the mountain was named,” Mr. Saunders said.
The Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) nominated the site to Maryland’s Roadside Historical Marker program, which works to educate the traveling public on Maryland’s historical legacy. The Maryland Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Maryland Historical Trust, manages the program.
Representatives from the Maryland Historical Trust, the Cultural Resources Division of the Maryland Department of Transportation, the State Highway Administration, Frostburg State University, the Garrett County Historical Society and other Garrett County officials joined the association for the unveiling.
“The State Highway Administration is proud to take part in the commemoration of this hero,” said State Highway Administrator William Pines. “This acknowledgement of his bravery was made possible through years of collaboration between Mr. Saunders, the Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Historical Trust and others.”
The roadside marker relates the story an African American frontiersman who, in 1756, marched from Fort Cumberland with British-born colonist Col. Thomas Cresap and his troops to engage the enemy. The frontiersman, whose name is not known, was killed May 24, 1756, during a skirmish with Native American French allies. As a testament to his bravery, the mountain was named for him.
Click here for more information on the Maryland Roadside Historical Marker program, including how to nominate a marker. Click here to search current markers.