Toll houses were built along the National Road after a twenty-five-year national debate over whether the federal government should fund road improvements. Although many agreed that road users should help defray maintenance costs, it was also considered unconstitutional for the federal government to charge tolls. The issue was resolved by transferring ownership of the National Road to individual states. After Maryland accepted ownership, it established an elaborate system of rates and fares based on the estimated damage different vehicles and animals could cause the road. During the La Vale Toll House's first year of operation, almost $10,000 was collected. Toll collectors earned $200 a year and received free living quarters. Travelers unwilling to pay tolls, known as pikers, complicated the work of toll keepers by trying to avoid the road. The La Vale Toll House was built to resemble a gatehouse, giving it an unusual shape. This two-story brick structure has seven sides, with five of equal length and two longer sides. The Addison and Searights Toll Houses share similar architecture and can still be seen west along the National Road into Pennsylvania.
