Putnamville in Putnam County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Cumberland Road · The National Road · U.S. Highway 40

Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 30, 2024

1. The Cumberland Road - The National Road - U.S. Highway 40 Marker

Inscription. The Historic National Road, begun in 1806, is the nation's first inter-state highway and the first road to be federally funded, stretching from Cumberland, Maryland, to Vandalia, Illinois. This road covers 156 miles across Indiana to link the eastern U.S. with the western interior. The Putnam County link was constructed in 1827-1834 and was widened to 4 lanes and paved in 1939. It was responsible for the economic growth of the town inspiring such buildings as inns, stables, stores, and a blacksmith shop.

In 1840 John Parsons wrote in a tour through Indiana: "The National Road, here in a very good condition, is a most interesting spectacle, with its red stage coaches, passing frequently; its barns, for the horses are always changed here, the wagons pushing on to the west; the 'movers', the merchants with their goods, a continual stream of travel from sunrise to sunset. "…I continue to wonder at the aggregation of men of fine education and excellent family who have gathered into this place."

Erected by Putnam County Community Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list:

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Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the The Historic National Road series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1806.

Location. 39° 34.457′ N, 86° 51.891′ W. Marker is in Putnamville, Indiana, in Putnam County. It can be reached from the intersection of U.S. 40 and Indiana Route 243. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 822 U.S Hwy 40, Greencastle IN 46135, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Dr. Amos H. Horn (here, next to this marker); Putnamville School (here, next to this marker); Putnamville (here, next to this marker); Putnamville United Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Putnam County Veterans Memorial (approx.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 30, 2024

2. The Cumberland Road · The National Road · U.S. Highway 40 Marker

Marker is in front of Dr. Amos Horn office, which is now a museum.

3.6 miles away); Putnam County Civil War Honor Roll (approx. 3.6 miles away); Putnam County Revolutionary War Memorial (approx. 3.7 miles away); Houck Bridge (approx. 4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Putnamville.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 293 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 2, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.