The National Road Heritage Area

About Us

The National Road Heritage Area encompasses 90 miles through three counties: Washington, Fayette, and Somerset. 

History

The heritage area divided its history up into four different eras:

Early Trails and Military Roads 1750-1810

· Buffalo trails and Native American Footpaths were the predecessors to the National Road.  Visitors to the National Road can learn about this time period by visiting Fort Necessity.

· At the end of the 18th century growing political and economical concerns make construction of the road a crucial aspect if the new government is going to flourish

· In 1802 the US Secretary of Treasury was successful in having inserted into the Ohio Statehood bill a provision for the construction of a road along the Ohio eastern border into Pennsylvania.

· With the addition of the Louisiana Purchase improved transportation was a must.

Construction of the National Road 1806-1834

· Thomas Jefferson signs a bill that enables legislation to construct the first multi-state road.  Construction began in Maryland and was first made of stone. 

· Every 5 miles there are stone mile markers on the south side.

· From 1818-1820, Construction of the National Road is complete.  By 1820 the road is a thriving and heavily traveled via horse, wagon, or coach.  Towns along the road are prospering, and new places are established along the road. 

Toll Road Era 1830-1900

· In the 1830’s the states set up toll houses so they could collect money from those traveling on the road.  Pennsylvania constructed 6 toll houses 15miles apart along its 90 mile corridor.

· During this era the National Road is updated, and the Pony Express starts to use the National Road.

· This was also an era of peak travel.  Many famous people traveled on this road during this period.

· By 1850 the railroad has began to overshadow the National Road. By 1860 many of the businesses go out of business and the national road loses its national status and is now taken care of by local road networks.

· Due to the invention of the bicycle in the 1880’s a movement to improve conditions of the road is established.

Automobile Era 1890’s-Present

· In 1920 the National Road is realigned and is incorporated as one of the first interstate highways in the US.

· From the 1950’s to the present the National Road is deemed a local, alternative, and scenic route.  It was designated a civil engineering landmark in 1976 and in 1994 became a state heritage area.

 

Above is the Addison Toll House in Petersburg

Below is the Searights Toll House

Fort Necessity is just one attraction you can visit while traveling on the national road.

This is an example of a mile marker that was placed every 5 miles along the national Road.