The First Road...

The National Road was the first roadway built completely with federal funds. It was authorized by Congress in 1806 under the Jefferson Administration. The roadway was constructed from Cumberland, Maryland to St. Louis, Missouri. It crossed Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.

In the State of Illinois, the National Road parallels and uses U.S. 40 while in the State of Illinois. Also, paralleling the National Road is now the modern interstate, Interstate 70. During this journey, it enters Illinois on the eastside from the State of Indiana, and heads towards Effingham. After passing through this regional commerce center, the National Road continues west to the Missouri State Line.

Explore the road across Illinois via the links on the right side bar.


Map from en.wikipedia