History of the Jackson House

The Jackson House Hotel was built in 1859 along the Northern Central Railroad, the first in the area with hot and cold running water and steam heat!. During that era, Railroad was in it's heyday, boasting a large number of factories and mills.

Trains laden with raw goods stopped to replenish local factories. Finished products were then put on board for their final destinations.  Railroad had grist mills, a tannery, a distillery and a level factory, to name just a few.

President Lincoln, applauded by many, passed through Railroad on his way to Gettysburg to make his famous speech, "The Gettysburg Address." Lincoln's funeral train also passed through Railroad, though this time many sad onlookers said silent goodbyes.

During the early 1900's the Jackson House Hotel was known as one of the finest along the Northern Central Railroad and had thirteen guest rooms. The steam heat and hot and cold running water were rare luxuries that most establishments could not afford during that time. The stone cistern that stored the Jackson House's water supply still remains intact today.

The Jackson House is listed in The National Historic Registry and now serves as a bed and breakfast.

Today the Jackson House features five guest rooms. Each room is equipped with a private bath. Hot and cold water are still available! The rooms may be old, but the plumbing and air conditioning are very new!

One of the most popular rooms has two beautifully exposed stone walls. Guests can marvel at the creativity that went into the hotel as they ponder the exposed tree limb that was originally used as a window support.

The Great Room features the original dumbwaiter that was once used for service in the old hotel. Relax, read or admire the many antique furnishings in this room and throughout the house..

A bird's eye view of Railroad can be gained by taking a short walk up the beautifully terraced and landscaped hill. Here you will find the old cistern and can view the town's oldest general store.

After checking out the house and beautiful grounds, jump on your bike or take a walk or jog along the Heritage Rail Trail that runs from Ashland, MD to York, PA, and passes right alongside the Jackson House Bed and Breakfast.