Pigtown in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The National Road
The Road that Built the Nation
— The Historic National Road - The Road That Built The Nation —
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, February 24, 2008
1. The National Road Marker
“… 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.
[Sidebar:]
Built
this page online
Erected by America's Byways.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson, and the The Historic National Road series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 17.116′ N, 76° 37.91′ W. Marker was in Baltimore, Maryland. It was in Pigtown. Marker was on West Pratt Street (U.S. 40). The marker is in the grounds of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 837 W Pratt St, Baltimore MD 21201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named The National Road (here, next to this marker); The Underground Railroad (here, next to this marker); Mount Clare Shops (a few steps from this marker); Site of Old Relay Station and Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Pullman Troop Sleeper No. 7437
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, February 24, 2008
2. The National Road and Railroads Eclipse a National Road markers
In the background is the Baltimore and Ohio roundhouse.
More about this marker. The marker displays a picture of a family standing beside an early 20th Century car along the National Road. Captioned: “Are we there yet? 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’t relate to those faces?”
The marker also has a map showing the general path of the National Road from Baltimore to St. Louis. And uses the background “The National Road at Fairview Inn,” which is standard for this marker series. An elevation diagram of the national road is displayed on the bottom of the marker's face.
Regarding The National Road. This is a standard informational marker often used along the National Road in Maryland and is duplicated at other locations.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,626 times since then and 159 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 24, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
