Jun 2, 2013 By Matthew Dowling 2 min read

As you are reading this I am waking up, not in my own bed on the south side of Uniontown, but in a suite at the Historic Summit Inn Resort. I have driven by this place hundreds, dare I even say thousands, of times but until this Thursday I had never had the pleasure of staying at the establishment.

As the story goes, Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin suggested a National Road that would connect the East to the West in 1806. Construction of said road began in 1813 and was made public in 1818. From what I can gather tollhouses or taverns were built every mile.

Fast-forward to 1900, the then failing National Road was improved by the state and some of Uniontown’s wealthiest men got together to create the Summit Hotel Company. In 1907 the Summit Hotel was opened to the public.

Why do I share this tidbit of history with you? It’s not just because of the proudly displayed register in the lobby which shows the names of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, who allegedly brought the American Science Wizards to our illustrious summit for a downhill race, but because this history is what makes Fayette County great. These histories, these attractions, are what Fayette TV tries to educate both residents and non-residents about.

Locals may question why the same thing plays from 7:30 a.m. until almost 9 a.m. daily, but the answer is simple. Between these hours we try to show those visiting the area what we have to offer. During these hours we generally discuss the National Road, Fort Necessity, JB Thompson’s Estate (Mt. Macrina), Friendship Hill and more!

Have you lived in the area your entire life and never visited one of the aforementioned locations? If so hitch up your horse or simply put your car in drive and take advantage of the gems that are in our own back yard.

Matthew Dowling is a television host and producer, author, non-profit executive, and shifts into third gear when coming down the Summit. Contact him at matthew.dowling@coordinated360.com or 1-800-893-8516.