on the road again

Story and photos by Cara Lawson

Long before Interstate 70, another road first crossed Ohio from east to west. Entering Ohio at Bridgeport, the nation’s first federally funded highway, the National Road, stretches across 10 Ohio counties at a total of 228 miles.

2006 saw the 200th anniversary of the signing of the legislation Congress passed to approve funding for the road. But even though Congress authorized funds to build the National Road in 1806, construction didn’t begin until 1811. Starting in Cumberland, Md., the National Road reached Ohio in 1825.

The National Road guided early American settlers to the Western frontier and also served Ohio’s economy by stimulating business establishment and allowing for easier transport of goods. As a result of the high traffic, several towns formed along the road known as “Pike towns.” Here a traveler could find taverns, liveries, inns and blacksmith shops to accommodate most of their needs.

Staying on the right path
Today you can follow the Ohio Historic National road signs to keep you on path. In the past, though, travelers relied on concrete markers placed at one-mile intervals to tell them specific information on the distance they had traveled and the distance to the nearest town.

The Road, known to most now as U.S. Route 40, is rich in history and unique places to visit along the way. Along Ohio’s National Road, you’ll see rolling hills in the east and flat, productive farmland in the west. Communities such as Cambridge, New Concord, Zanesville and Springfield, among many other towns along the road, offer several historic attractions. The National Road / Zane Grey Museum, located in Norwich, interprets the National Road’s history with pictures, a diorama and other exhibits of life on the road. Many of the buildings established for business in the early days of the National Road have been preserved. The National Scenic Byways program offers more places to visit along the National Road.

“S” bridges
The National Road at one time prominently featured bridges that were “S” shaped. Several stories exist on why some bridges on the National Road are so uniquely shaped. One story suggests the bridge’s winding shape was created so travelers would be forced to slow down for the curve, thus avoiding speed-related accidents. Another story, in turn, concludes that during the time of the bridge’s construction, it had to be diverted around huge trees that stood in the way. The real reason for the bridge’s signature “S” shape, though, is really due to more of an engineering decision. The National Road rarely came to a stream or river at a direct 90-degree angle. The “S” shape was chosen so the road could maintain its direction. “S” bridges were easier to construct in this instance and could easily accommodate methods of transportation in the early days. With the advent of more frequent use of the automobile, the “S” bridges along the National Road were slowly replaced to lessen the risk of an accident. Some bridges though, can still be seen today.

Take a road trip across Ohio’s National Road
There are many interesting things to see and learn about along our nation’s first federally funded highway. For a free copy of the National Road Travel Guide, visit www.ohiohistory.org

Cara Lawson is Ohio Farm Bureau’s promotion specialist.

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