Searights Tollhouse, National Road, National Road tollhouse in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, US
Searights Tollhouse is a toll collection station on the National Road in Uniontown with a distinctive octagonal tower rising two stories, wrapped by a porch, and flanked by single-story wings extending northward and westward. The design positioned toll workers to observe traffic passing in both directions from the upper floor while maintaining living quarters in the same structure.
The tollhouse was built in 1835 and collected fees from travelers until Pennsylvania took control of the National Road from the federal government in the 1870s. This transition ended the toll system and converted the road to state management.
The building shows how toll collection worked in early America, serving as one of only two surviving examples from the original six tollhouses built along Pennsylvania's National Road.
The building is located on National Pike East and is accessible for tours on weekends with additional appointments available by request. Visitors should confirm current opening times through local resources before making the trip.
The octagonal shape was deliberately chosen to provide sight lines in both directions along the road and ensure no travelers were missed. This geometric design was a practical solution that made the toll collectors' job more efficient.
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