The National Road: A Photo Essay 

---America's Original Interstate Highway


If there is a highway that captures the early pioneer spirit of this nation, it is the National Road.  America's Original Interstate Highway, Americans have followed parts of what now is US 40 on their sojurns to the west.  From early Indian paths, to a federally funded route to the west, to a toll horse and wagon route, and finally into the automobile era, the National Road has served not only as a method of travel.  It has also become a source of history, commerece, recreation, and exploration.

This site explores the history, the lure, and the features of this route through Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio.  The essay is a compulation of photos, research, and information by myself and others interested in exploring and sharing the splendor of this highway.  I am honored to include their fine efforts on this site.  If you wish to contribute to this site or have comments or links I can add, please contact me at aprince27@gmail.com.
 
 
Maryland
  • Jug Bridge Memorial Park
  • Boonsboro and Middletown
  • Wilson's Bridge
  • The Casselman River Bridges
    		•
    Pennsylvania
  • Maryland to Yough River Crossing
  • Yough River Crossing to Uniontown
  • Uniontown to Brownsville
  • Photo Tour of Brownsville
  • Brownsville to Washington
  • Washington to West Virginia
    		•
    West Virginia
  • The National Road in West Virginia
  • Wheeling Suspension Bridge
    		•
    Ohio
  • WV Line to Fairview
  • Fairview to Cambridge
  • Cambridge to Zanesville
  • Zanesville to Franklin County
  • Columbus and Franklin County
  • Columbus to Springfield
  • Springfield to Indiana
    		•

    The Milestone Collection ---Various Photos of National Road Mile Markers
    The Postcard Collection ---Various Postcards of the National Road and US 40

    Site Navigation & Links:
  • The SWPA Roads Project
  • Mountain State Road Photos
  • Route 40 Net ---Frank Brusca
  • National Road Project ---Clarence Carvell
  • National Road Association of Illinois
  • National Scenic Byways Program
  • Ohio National Road Association

    •  

     
     
     

    Photos on this sire have been taken by author, William Lawson, unless otherwise noted.  This site is a non-commercial educational and recreation resource.  The photos that have been added to this site have been done so with the permission of the photographers.  Material on this website may not be reproduced without written consent of the author.  All Rights Reserved.

    Page Created: January 2, 2001
    Last Updated: June 8, 2009

    © 2001-09 William Lawson

    US 40 Shield Courtesy Jeff Kitsko; National Old Trails Road Banner courtesy Dave Schul.