National Road

Historic Sites, 1834

The National Road, America's first interstate highway, is a 150-mile heritage trail that extends from Terre Haute to Richmond, Indiana. It was constructed in Indiana, between 1829 and 1834, as a primary gateway to western settlement. It has brought countless travelers to and through the Hoosier state ever since. Along the important route, towns and cities came to life to serve those travelers, then becoming lively destinations themselves.

The road starts from Terre Haute and passes through Brazil, Greencastle, Hendricks County, Indianapolis, Greenfield, Knightstown, Lewisville and Cambridge City to end at Richmond.

The corridor celebrates the history and heritage of the southwest corner of the region. The road tells the story of four distinct historic eras: Early Trails and Military Roads (pre-1800), Construction of the National Road (1806-1835), Toll Road Era (1836-1900) and the Automobile Era (1900s). The National Road was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1806 with the strong urging of Albert Gallatin, the father of the road.

In 1994, the National Road was designated a State Heritage Park, a National Scenic Byway in 1996, and a nationally recognized All-American Road in 2003. Even though older alignments are visible or navigable in several locations, most of the original route has become US 40.

The eastern section running from Cumberland, Maryland, to Wheeling on the Ohio River was often called the Cumberland Road.