In 2009, my sons and I explored the National Road and US 40 across Maryland. The National Road was the nation’s first federally funded highway, and it connected Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. In the 20th century, the National Road became US 40, more or less.
I’ve updated my posts from this trip with refreshed photographs and some new details. Here are links to all of them.
- The National Road in Maryland — A preview of our trip along the road.
- Ellicott City — A very old town along the road.
- New Market — The antiques capital of Maryland.
- Antietam Creek bridges — Three bridges on and near the National Road that cross Antietam Creek.
- The Wilson Bridge — This big stone bridge is named for its builder, but it crosses Conococheague Creek.
- Abandoned 1930s National Road pavement — Curiously, a short stretch of old pavement was left behind when US 40 was widened and straightened.
- The view from Polish Mountain — A stunning landscape from the road’s original alignment.
- Three bridges over the Casselman River — One stone, one steel, and one concrete.
Well let us know if you ever decide to do the western extension. Mostly concurrent with I-70 from Pennsylvania through Colorado. But there are still some alignments that are off the Interstate.
It’s a soft goal for someday to follow 40 west!!