Leave the highway behindTake the scenic route

From panoramas of the Allegheny Mountains to the epitome of organic architecture, from 18th-century taverns to luxury resorts, the Historic National Road offers the curious traveler an abundance of ways to rediscover America and explore our nation’s heritage from a new perspective. The history of the corridor is a story of the growth and development of a nation and its expansion westward.

Travel the National Road and discover the Road That Built America.

The National Road Heritage Corridor tells the story of the 90 miles of the Road that cut across the southwest corner of Pennsylvania, home to some of the most important, course-changing events of early America’s history and a timeline of many of our country’s social, industrial and cultural revolutions. Though earlier paths such as Nemacolin’s Trail and Braddock’s Road were significant overland routes, the National Road was the nation’s first federally-funded interstate highway, built with the vision of unifying a growing country.

Stretching over 600 Miles, The National Road takes you on a journey.

Beginning in Cumberland, Maryland and crossing six states, the Historic National Road stretches 600 miles westward past historic landmarks, mountain vistas, industrial towns, rich farmland, and pastures, to reach the Mississippi River and the Eads Bridge in East St. Louis, Illinois.

The history of the corridor is a story of the growth and development of a nation and its expansion westward.

The history of the corridor is a story of the growth and development of a nation and its expansion westward. Our National Scenic Byway All-American Road is a peaceful two lane highway through southwestern Pennsylvania, and through some of the most historically significant locations in our nation—locations with a story to tell and a lesson to be learned.

Today, the National Road Heritage Corridor hearkens back to the memories of our past and is a stunning gateway to the future.

The road is rich with outdoor recreation opportunities that attract adventure-seekers looking to paddle our rivers, pedal our trails, and hike our mountains. For those who enjoy the finer things in life, the road is home to Nemacolin Resort, a five-diamond resort destination featuring the finest accommodations, cuisine, and luxury. The story of the National Road Heritage Corridor is one that is constantly evolving and expanding. New businesses and attractions continue to open along the corridor telling a new story and creating a new journey through the hills and towns of southwestern Pennsylvania.

Events

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Old Coulson Tavern, about 4 miles West of Washington, PA, was a common stop for wagoners and stage drivers.

Image credit: Washington County Historical Society
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Old Coulson Tavern, about 4 miles West of Washington, PA, was a common stop for wagoners and stage drivers.

Image credit: Washington County Historical Society

The base of the National Road was built with graduated stone layers, from large at the bottom to small at the top. Foremen used rings to ensure the stones were the right size, often shouting, "Keep hitting it until it fits through the ring!"

Image credit: Washington County Historical Society
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The base of the National Road was built with graduated stone layers, from large at the bottom to small at the top. Foremen used rings to ensure the stones were the right size, often shouting, Keep hitting it until it fits through the ring!

Image credit: Washington County Historical Society

Stagecoach travel was designed with speed in mind. Stages would average 60 to 70 miles in one day and stagecoaches would run through the night in all types of weather. The coachmen sitting on top of the coach would face freezing temperatures, pouring rain, and driving snow. Because of this, coachmen wore heavy wool coats with a three-layered cape. The cape would deflect rain and snow, keeping the layers underneath dry and the coachman warm. The coach pictured here was used by William Curry when he drove for the Good Intent Stage Coach Company in the early 1820’s.

Image credit: Washington County Historical Society
... See MoreSee Less

Stagecoach travel was designed with speed in mind. Stages would average 60 to 70 miles in one day and stagecoaches would run through the night in all types of weather.  The coachmen sitting on top of the coach would face freezing temperatures, pouring rain, and driving snow.  Because of this, coachmen wore heavy wool coats with a three-layered cape.  The cape would deflect rain and snow, keeping the layers underneath dry and the coachman warm.  The coach pictured here was used by William Curry when he drove for the Good Intent Stage Coach Company in the early 1820’s.

Image credit: Washington County Historical Society
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