The Jackson House Hotel was built in 1859 along the Northern Central Railroad, the first in the area boasting hot and cold running water and steam heat! During that era, Railroad was in its heyday, with a large number of factories and mills. Trains laden with raw goods stopped to replenish local factories; finished products were then loaded for their final destinations. Railroad had grist mills, a tannery, a distillery and a level factory.
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.
Today the Jackson House is listed in The National Historic Registry and now serves as a bed and breakfast with six 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!
Each of the guest rooms is unique. The Jackson Room (king) has traditional decor and two beautifully exposed stone walls. The romantic Cottage (queen) was originally the ice house for the hotel and features a private porch that overlooks the rail trail, La-Z-Boy chairs, and a gas fireplace. Our Daisy Room (queen) was named for Daisy Montague, whose name appears over and over again in the old guest registry; its bathroom features the old clawfoot tub original to the house. The Garden Suite (king) is the largest room and is accessible from the main house or from the garden. The Rail Trail Room (king) is the lower part of the cottage, just a few steps from the rail trail, and has a gas fireplace and covered patio for relaxing.
Our beautiful parlor features the original dumbwaiter that was once used for service in the old hotel. Relax, read, work on a puzzle, play a game and visit with friends or other guests here. After checking out the house and beautiful grounds, jump on your bike or take a walk/jog or train ride along the Heritage Rail Trail that runs from Ashland, MD to York, PA, and passes right alongside the Jackson House Bed and Breakfast.