Searights Tollhouse

Location:

7328 National Pike E, Uniontown, PA 15401

Description:

The Searights Tollhouse, situated along the former route of the National Road, now United States Route 40, north of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, is a historic toll house dating back to 1835. Among the six tollhouses erected by the state of Pennsylvania to levy tolls along this segment of the road, it is one of only two remaining structures. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964, the tollhouse has been restored and is currently maintained by the local historical society.

Originally inhabited by descendants of William Searight, including Lindley Searight, Ralph Searight Jr., Brian Searight, Kevin Searight, Jacob Searight, and Jason Searight, the tollhouse now serves as a historical landmark.

Located approximately 5 miles northwest of Uniontown, the tollhouse features a brick construction highlighted by a striking two-story octagonal tower, standing about 20 feet tall, with an octagonal roof and small cap. A single-story porch wraps around three-quarters of the tower, while single-room wings extend north and westward. The tollkeeper's strategic position provided clear views of the road in both directions, with an original swinging gate blocking the road.

Constructed between 1811 and 1818, the Pennsylvania segment of the National Road was a significant federal public works project, greatly enhancing travel between Cumberland, Maryland, and Wheeling, West Virginia. In 1835, control of the road was transferred to the state, prompting the implementation of tolls for maintenance purposes. The tollhouse, positioned near William Searight's tavern, served as a collection point until the 1870s when toll collection ceased. Following abandonment, the tollhouse underwent restoration by the state and now serves as a historical marker along the road.