Bridgeport in Belmont County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The National Historic Road in Ohio
The Road That Helped Build The Nation
— An All-American Road - National Scenic Highway —
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, November 2, 2014
1. The National Historic Road in Ohio Marker
Welcome to the National Road
The National Road crosses six states from Baltimore, Maryland, to East St. Louis, Illinois. The road fulfilled the dreams of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to build an all-weather route across the Allegheny Mountains to connect the Eastern Seaboard with the Midwest. The road was conceived by Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury under Thomas Jefferson, and was authorized by Congress in 1806. The road the nation's first federally funded interstate highway and opened the West for the movement of people and goods. Construction began in 1811 in Cumberland, Maryland, extending an earlier route from Baltimore. By 1818, the road reached the Ohio River; by 1833, it was completed to Columbus, Ohio; in 1850, it extended west to Vandalia, Illinois.
The National Road is an engineering marvel. Graceful stone arch bridges cross streams and rivers. Inns and taverns were built to meet the need of travelers. Many of the bridges and buildings that characterized the early days of the road can still be found in towns along the road today.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included
this page online
Location. 40° 4.345′ N, 80° 44.456′ W. Marker is in Bridgeport, Ohio, in Belmont County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 40) and Allen Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bridgeport OH 43912, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Veterans Memorial (here, next to this marker); Historic Bridgeport (a few steps from this marker); Camp Carlile (approx. ¼ mile away in West Virginia); a different marker also named Camp Carlile (approx. ¼ mile away in West Virginia); a different marker also named Camp Carlile (approx. ¼ mile away in West Virginia); Charles Ellet, Jr. (approx. 0.7 miles away in West Virginia); Hugh E. McConkey (approx. 0.8 miles away in West Virginia); Marsh Wheeling Stogies (approx. 0.8 miles away in West Virginia). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bridgeport.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 637 times since then and 38 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on November 2, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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