National Road Interpretive Center, Illinois, United States

5Taylor B 5:00 PM May 5, 2017

Have you ever traveled the National Road?
Also known as the "Road That Built The Nation," the Historic National Road was created in 1806 by legislation signed by President Thomas Jefferson. Originally winding from Cumberland, Maryland, to Vandalia, Illinois, it was a superhighway of dirt, rock and timber that opened Illinois to settlement and opened the door for Western expansion. It also was known as the Cumberland Trail and the National Pike and the National Trail and the National Road. Today, what is left of the original road stretches 164 miles from Marshall, Illinois, to East St. Louis and is mirrored by U.S. Route 40 and Interstate 70. At the National Road Interpretive Center at 106 South 5th Street in Vandalia, which opened in 2009, visitors can see where Abraham Lincoln's political career began, learn the history of the National Road, examine a log from the original road and view a Conestoga wagon replica. If you are truly interested in the history of the National Road, drive to Marshall and Casey and Greenup and Effingham and Greenville and Collinsville and East St. Louis.

4Dana S 5:00 PM Jan 16, 2017

Great History
This is a great place to learn about the Historic National Trail, US Highway 40. Great artifacts, pictures, maps, and videos. It is also great to piggyback with the Old State Capitol in Vandalia.