The National Road: Brownsville, PA



(Bruce Cridlebaugh)		 If the City of Brownsville, Pennsylvania could talk, it would tell of an almost three century old story of prosperity, adversity, and fighting back full of the pride and optimism the town has for its past and to the future.  Brownsville has a history that stretches beyond the formation of The National Road and uniquely combines various different eras of American History within the city limits.  Once more populated than the City of Pittsburgh, the Brownsville of today struggles in the shadow of its once prosporous self.

Named after Thomas Brown, who purchased the land near Redstone Old Fort, Brownsville, like many of her sister Monongahela River towns, began as a boatbuilding center.  As rail began and evetually surpassed the boat industry, Brownsville adjusted and became a vital location for the coal and steel industries.  However, when the steel industry began to decline in the 20th century, Brownsville along with many other river towns of the region took a very substantial blow to the lifeblood of the community.

The National Road and US 40 have been a part of Brownsville since the early 1800's, 'The Neck' bustled with early pioneers on their journey westward.  Pre-Interstate traffic found the Lane Bane Bridge a modern marvel that carried traffic high over the Monongahela and bypassing the steep slopes funneling down to 'The Neck'.

Now it is time to take a virtual tour of many of the historical features of Brownsville.  Navigate through 'The Neck,' cross an American first, and finish on an incomplete roadway.


To visit various areas of Brownsville, either click on the thumbnail or direct link to access the page.  If you have information, photos, or other items you wish to contribute, please e-mail me .

Ghosts of 'The Neck': ---Once the center of activity in Brownsville, 'The Neck' today sits nearly empty.

Dunlap's Creek Bridge: ---Opened in 1839, the bridge is the first metal arch bridge in the US.

Intercounty Bridge: ---Built after the turn of the century, it replaced a covered span over the Mon.

Abandoned US 40 Freeway ---Left empty since the late 60's, the missing link sees new life today.

Continuing on the Trail:

  • Continue West to Washington
  • Travel East to Uniontown
  • Return to National Road Photo Essay Index

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    Site Navigation, Sources, Contributors, and Links:

  • The SWPA Roads Project
  • Brownsville, PA ----Cassandra's House
  • Brief History of Brownsville ---Fayette Forward
  • US 40 @ PAHighways.com ---Jeff Kitsko
  • Route 40 Net ---Frank Brusca
  • Mike Austing
  • The Bee Family
  • Bruce Cridlebaugh
  • Brian Reynolds

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    Page Created: October 5, 2002
    Last Updated: October 5, 2002

    (C) 2002 William Lawson