Historic Route 40
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The National Road
A road of many names, historic Route 40 was one of the earliest improved highways to be built by the U.S. federal government, with construction beginning in 1811. From Cumberland, Maryland in the east, the road was planned to reach Jefferson City, Missouri, but lack of funds cut it short, putting the western end at Vandalia, Illinois. Its 620-mile length was an important commerce and travel connection between the Potomac River and the lands further west.
The historic road is variously known as Route 40, the National Road, and the Cumberland Road. Later extensions and connecting roads contibuted the names National Pike, Baltimore National Pike, and Washington National Pike. In 2002, the entire route, including extensions, was designated The Historic National Road.
The historic road is variously known as Route 40, the National Road, and the Cumberland Road. Later extensions and connecting roads contibuted the names National Pike, Baltimore National Pike, and Washington National Pike. In 2002, the entire route, including extensions, was designated The Historic National Road.
Photo courtesy VidTheKid
National Road History
Route 40 National Road
Part of the National Road was in use as early as 1751. An unimproved road from Cumberland, Maryland to the Ohio River at the site of future Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was used during the French and Indian War. That same route was used for the improved road.Thomas Jefferson signed authorization for construction of the National Road in 1806. Construction began in 1811, and by 1838 the road had reached Vandalia, Illinois. Even though further construction had been authorized, which would have extended the road to the Mississippi River and on to Jefferson City, Missouri, Congress decided to abandon the project. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was being built to connect Baltimore to Wheeling, West Virginia, making travel much faster and easier, and reducing the need for the National Road.
Photo by Dougtone via Flickr.com
Read More About The National Road
Experience historic Route 40 through stories and photos
Cumberland Road Route
Highway 40 follows the historic route
The eastern terminus of the National Road is in Cumberland, Maryland. From there, it travels west through Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and into Illinois. Where possible, it made use of existing roadbeds, such as Braddock Road between the Potomac and Ohio Rivers and Zane's Trace between Wheeling and Columbus, Ohio. Today the route is roughly parallel to U.S. 40.
Map courtesy Citynoise
Photos by Eric Fischer via flickr.com and HystericalMark via flickr.com
Buy Old National Road Memorabilia
National Road and Cumberland Road collectibles on eBay
Important!
Sightseeing on the National Road
Two hundred years of history means there's a lot of interesting things to experience along the National Road. Visit America's Byways to learn more about the road in each state. The site provides a customizable and printable guide to attractions, along with driving directions to make sure you don't miss any existing segments of the original road.
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Sign the National Road Travel Log
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wormwood80
Apr 10, 2012 @ 9:58 pm | delete
- Great lens! I grew up in Vandalia, Illinois so this was a fun read :)
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by MysticTurtle
I had a normal childhood, but somewhere along the way I took off on my own path. I backpacked the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail in 2001 and the 700-mile... more »
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