The National Road

 

The Federal highway system began in 1811 with the construction of the National Road, the only interstate to be completely funded by the national government. Cumberland was chosen for its staring point. The construction techniques and road bed design were the best of their time. Large stones were topped by very fine, precisely measured gravel. In 1834, ownership was transferred to the states, and in 1839 the road reached its end at Vandalia, IL. Its major contribution was to help populate the west providing a route almost to the Mississippi. Traffic was permitted during construction, mainly because the flow of people could not be stopped. To pay for the road's maintenance, the states set up tollbooths. The first one constructed in Maryland was the Le Vale Tollhouse, located in Cumberland. In 1969 the Maryland Historical Trust took it over and began restoration. It is now the only tollhouse still standing. The National Road is now Route 40.

 

Facts and Figures

Directions
16,000 lane miles of interstate, primary and secondary roads

2,000 bridges

Cost: $6,824,919

Hours: May-Aug, Fri-Sun, 1:30-4:30pm; Sept, Sun only; other times by appointment.

Admission Free
  • From the I-70 take exit one onto I-68, west.
  • Take exit 39 onto MD 53 north.
  • Turn right on to US 40. The Tollhouse will be on this highway.

Map

 

References:

ASCE "Guide to History and Heritage Program"; A History of Road Building; One Day Road Trips in Maryland