The historic Cashtown Inn has offered lodging and dining to weary travelers since the turn of the 19th century. Roads were important to town development, just as the automobile was important to prosperity, because travelers coming into the countryside needed places to stay and eat. Inns attracted businesses that served the traveling public, which in turn spurred the development of towns, and after the birth of the automobile, more people than ever traveled for recreation. In 1812, construction of a turnpike's northwest extension spurred Peter Marks to build his brick tavern here. By 1821, Cashtown had been established and allegedly received its name because Marks insisted on cash payments. During the Civil War, Confederates passed by the inn twice, in mid-October 1862 and during the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. On July 5, a Confederate wagon train carrying wounded men left Cashtown, and the train was about 17 miles in length.