Traveling the National Road

Granstville's Main Street, designated today as Alt. Route 40, was once part of the National Road, the country's first federally funded highway. Visit our Town Park to learn more about the history of the National Road.

Traffic on the National Road ...

The National Road

This "National Road" connected east and west in the 1800s. George Washington proposed a route to join the western frontier to the eastern seaboard in the late 1700s. His idea was later promoted by Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury ...

First Roads to the West

Before the Europeans, only Indian trails led through virgin forests that once stretched beyond the horizon. About 1750 Nemacolin, a Delaware Indian, blazed a trail past here for the Ohio Company. Four years later, Virginia militia under Lt. Col. George ...

The Underground Railroad / Black Conductors of Columbus

The Underground Railroad was neither underground nor a

railroad, but a system of loosely connected safe havens

where those escaping the brutal conditions of slavery

were sheltered, fed, clothed, nursed, concealed, disguised,

and instructed during their journey to freedom. Although

this movement was one of ...

The National Road — West

Knightstown—first town platted on National Road after survey, 1827—named after noted surveyor Jonathan Knight.

Home of American Communications Network founded, in 1966, to preserve and perpetuate the “Ideals that built America” and “the Dignity of Man.”

Situated in Henry County, ...

The Fort Scott Road

The Fort Scott Road ran in a north/south direction just east of the fence line. As it approached Mine Creek it veered to the southwest. This road paralled [sic] the route of present-day U.S. 69 Highway. Because this was ...

Vestal's Gap Road in the 1800s

In 1814 due to the British advance on Washington, it was deemed wise to remove the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and other valuable state documents to a safe place. They were transported across Chain Bridge into Virginia. The ...

The Great Wagon Road to the Southwest

Santa Fe Trail 1821-1880

It all started over trade that promised great profits. Once Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821 Americans were welcomed and encouraged to trade. Trade quickly flourished, creating opportunities and profits linking the economies of Missouri ...

The National Road

The Road that Built the Nation

“. . . so many happy people, restless in the midst of abundance.” —Alexis de Tocqueville, 1840.

Americans are an adventurous people. From

past to present, they have used feet, horses,

wagons, stagecoaches, canals, ...

The Carolina Road

The Carolina Road, earlier an Indian hunting path, roughly approximating Route 15 at this point, derived its name from trade between Frederick, Maryland, and Georgia. Later the road was used by settlers emigrating to western lands. Because of notorious gangs ...