16 Altamont Terrace
NE corner of Altamont Ter. and Union St., Cumberland, MDSixteen Altamont Terrace in Cumberland, Maryland, is significant for its architecture and for its historical association with the development of health care facilities in Allegany County. The design of the house, erected in the mid nineteenth century, is an example of a folk form of the Greek Revival style. It consists of Greek decorative elements applied to the traditional center hall house. The architectural historian William H. Pierson, Jr. describes this combination as the most common form of the "folk manifestations" of the Greek Revival style. The building has a five bay symmetrical facade with a free-standing Ionic order columnar portico and decorative iron balconies. The house is also representative of the domestic architecture of a wealthy mid nineteenth century citizen of Cumberland.
It is said that the house was constructed for John Oliphant, a businessman who purchased the property in 1851 and is listed for the building on the 1853 Map of Cumberland. The property is located in Dilley's Addition, which was laid out about the mid 1840's. In several of the past deeds, Altamont Terrace is referred to as Ellen Street.
In 1889 Charles James Orrick and his wife purchased the house. It was during their ownership that the house was used as the first facilities of the present Memorial Hospital, known then as the Home and Infirmary of Western Maryland. Orrick was one of the original incorporators of the hospital and his wife served as the first president of the organization
Local significance of the building:
It is said that the house was constructed for John Oliphant, a businessman who purchased the property in 1851 and is listed for the building on the 1853 Map of Cumberland. The property is located in Dilley's Addition, which was laid out about the mid 1840's. In several of the past deeds, Altamont Terrace is referred to as Ellen Street.
In 1889 Charles James Orrick and his wife purchased the house. It was during their ownership that the house was used as the first facilities of the present Memorial Hospital, known then as the Home and Infirmary of Western Maryland. Orrick was one of the original incorporators of the hospital and his wife served as the first president of the organization
Health/medicine; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Maryland was a border state during the Civil War: During the Civil War, Maryland was a border state that remained in the Union but had many sympathizers with the Confederacy. The state was strategically important because it was located between Washington D.C. and the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia.
About Allegany County
Allegany County Timeline
Allegany County, located in western Maryland, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The region was home to Native American tribes, including the Susquehannocks and the Seneca, before the arrival of European settlers. In the 18th century, the French and British fought for control of the area, with the British ultimately establishing dominance and building Fort Cumberland in present-day Cumberland.
During the 19th century, Allegany County experienced significant growth and development due to its close proximity to the National Road, a major transportation route connecting the East Coast to the Ohio River Valley. The county became an important logistical hub and saw the establishment of towns and industries such as manufacturing, coal mining, and transportation. In 1854, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was completed, further boosting commercial activity in the region.
Allegany County played a significant role during the American Civil War. Located on the border between the North and the South, the county was heavily contested and saw multiple skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Folck's Mill. The war had a lasting impact on the county, causing economic disruption and leaving scars on the landscape.
In the 20th century, Allegany County continued to experience changes in its economy and demographics. The decline of traditional industries such as coal mining and manufacturing led to a shift towards service industries, healthcare, and education. The county is home to Frostburg State University and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which both contribute to its cultural and tourist attractions. Today, Allegany County combines its historical significance with its modern developments, offering a unique blend of heritage and progress.
During the 19th century, Allegany County experienced significant growth and development due to its close proximity to the National Road, a major transportation route connecting the East Coast to the Ohio River Valley. The county became an important logistical hub and saw the establishment of towns and industries such as manufacturing, coal mining, and transportation. In 1854, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was completed, further boosting commercial activity in the region.
Allegany County played a significant role during the American Civil War. Located on the border between the North and the South, the county was heavily contested and saw multiple skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Folck's Mill. The war had a lasting impact on the county, causing economic disruption and leaving scars on the landscape.
In the 20th century, Allegany County continued to experience changes in its economy and demographics. The decline of traditional industries such as coal mining and manufacturing led to a shift towards service industries, healthcare, and education. The county is home to Frostburg State University and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which both contribute to its cultural and tourist attractions. Today, Allegany County combines its historical significance with its modern developments, offering a unique blend of heritage and progress.
Allegany County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Allegany County, Maryland.
- 1789 - Allegany County was established by the General Assembly of Maryland.
- 1791 - The county seat was established in Cumberland.
- 1801 - The National Road, a major highway, was authorized to be constructed through Allegany County.
- 1811 - The first courthouse in Cumberland was completed.
- 1824 - The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal began construction in Cumberland, becoming an important transportation route.
- 1851 - The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad reached Cumberland, further enhancing transportation in the county.
- 1862 - Allegany County played a significant role in the American Civil War as a transportation hub and defense location.
- 1920s - The county experienced economic growth due to coal mining and the manufacturing industry.
- 1950s - The construction of Interstate 68 provided better transportation access to Allegany County.
- Today - Allegany County continues to be a picturesque area with a mix of rural and urban landscapes, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and historical sites.