Historic National Road

States: Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia
Length: 824.1 mi / 1326.3 km
Time to Allow: Daytrips or multi-day itineraries to enjoy portions, or 2.5 days to drive the entire byway.

The Historic National Road was the nation's first federally funded interstate highway. It opened the nation to the west and became a corridor for the movement of goods and people. Today, visitors experience a physical timeline, including classic inns, tollhouses, diners, and motels that trace 200 years of American history.

The Historic National Road is promoted by the FHWA and the six state National Road Associations, who desire to enhance, promote and protect its unique resources.

For more information, Choose from the following byways:

  • Historic National Road - Illinois

    On Illinois' National Historic Road, rolling countryside, prairie fields, and small towns whisper of an earlier time. Main street stores speak of small town U.S.A. where soda fountains, museums and antiques showcase days gone by. Hayfields, cattle and old barns intermingled with small towns all beckon you to stay awhile.

  • Historic National Road - Indiana

    Travelers along Indiana's National Historic Road will see landscapes marked by the heyday of the 1840s to 1940s. Historic villages with traditional Main Streets give way to fields and pastures. From Federal-style 'Pike Towns' and Victorian streetcar neighborhoods to drive-ins and stainless steel diners, follow the migration of the nation.

  • Historic National Road - Maryland

    The Historic National Road stands for adventure, freedom and exploration. A ribbon of roadway from the Chesapeake Bay to the mighty Allegheny Mountains, it is the road that built the nation. Today, you can experience more than 300 years of American culture, including inns, tollhouses, taverns, theaters, parks, and shops along the byway.

  • Historic National Road - Ohio

    The Historic National Road was the nation's first federally funded interstate highway. It opened the nation to the west and became a corridor for the movement of goods and people. Today, visitors experience a physical timeline, including classic inns, tollhouses, diners and motels that trace 200 years of American history.

  • Historic National Road - Pennsylvania

    The Historic National Road is the Nation's first federally funded highway. Opening westward expansion, it became a transportation corridor for goods and people, creating the great cultural diversity we treasure. Visitors experience a physical timeline -- classic inns, toll houses, diners, and motels that trace 200 years of American history.

  • Historic National Road - West Virginia

    The Historic National Road was the nation's first federally funded interstate highway. It opened the nation to the west and became a corridor for the movement of goods and people. Today, visitors experience a physical timeline, including classic inns, tollhouses, diners and motels that trace 200 years of American history.