Downtown in Frederick in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The National Road
The Road that Built the Nation
— The Road That Built The Nation —
“… so many happy people, restless in the midst of abundance.” —Alexis de Tocqueville, 1840.
Americans are an adventurous people. From past to present, they have used feet, horses, wagons, stagecoaches, canals, railroads, bicycles, automobiles, trucks and buses to "perpetually change their plans and abodes."
Centuries ago, George Washington dreamed of a highway joining east and west. In 1806, Thomas Jefferson made that roadway a reality when he risked his Presidency by authorizing, "an Act to regulate the laying out and making [of] a road from Cumberland in the State of Maryland to the State of Ohio."
The next generation built that "United States Road," a thirty-foot wide, crushed stone thoroughfare that spanned rivers, traversed mountains and opened up America’s western frontier to the Mississippi. Merchants, traders and families from all over the world journeyed along this route in their quest to claim land, expand markets and form new lives.
Today, you can trace that same path along the Historic National Road. Discover the places, events and stories that shaped this nation. To have your own adventure, stop by any Welcome Center or local visitor center to speak to a travel counselor and pick up a Historic National Road map-guide.
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These early 20th century travelers speak to all of us who at one time or another couldn't wait to get out of the car. Today, we have the luxury of taking our modern interstates for granted. But who can's relate to these faces?
Erected by America's Byways.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the The Historic National Road series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.
Location. 39° 24.842′ N, 77° 24.445′ W. Marker is in Frederick, Maryland, in Frederick County. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of East Patrick Street (Maryland Route 144) and North Carroll Street, on the right when traveling west on East Patrick Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 221 E Patrick St, Frederick MD 21701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Stinky Stuff (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Frederick (about 500 feet away); Tanneries (about 500 feet away); One Vast Hospital (about 500 feet away); The Story of Community Bridge (about 500 feet away); 1862 Antietam Campaign (about 600 feet away); Hospitals in Frederick (about 600 feet away); The Rotary Club of Frederick (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frederick.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker. There are differences in subtitle.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 35 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 30, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
