The National Road & Zane Grey Museum
Learn about U.S. 40, the old National Road that came to be called “the Main Street of America,” explore the adventure novels and Westerns of Zanesville author Zane Grey and see examples of the art pottery for which this region of Ohio was famous in the 20th century.
Searights Tollhouse
Historical facts in-game:
- There are six tollhouses built along the National Road in Pennsylvania. The tollhouses were abandoned after the 1870s.
- The U.S. Congress initially funded construction of the National Road, but eventually each state was responsible for maintaining its section. Tollhouses were built to collect money from travelers to fund repairs and maintenance.
Travelers and Transportation on the National Road
Historical facts in-game:
- In the 1830s, many families traveled along the National Road to the frontier toward their new homes. They are called emigrants.
- It has been estimated that 200,000 people used the National Road every year during its heyday in the 1830s and 1840s.
- Conestoga wagons were heavy American wagons with a capacity of around 4 to 5 tons.
The Cumberland Road
Historical facts in-game:
- The National Road prospered until the 1870s but faded as railroads became favored for long-distance transportation.
Mile Markers
Historical facts in-game:
- As of 2025, over 83 National Road stone markers remain, often clearly listing destinations east and west of the marker.
- Since Congress did not specify the appearance of the mile markers, each state designed its mile markers in unique shapes.
- The National Road prospered until the 1870s but faded as railroads became favored for long-distance transportation.
Other Links
The National Road
The National Road was built between 1811 and 1834 to reach the western settlements. It was the first federally funded road in U.S. history. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson believed that a trans-Appalachian road was necessary for unifying the young country.
National Road Heritage Foundation
The National Road Heritage Foundation (NRHF) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to raising awareness, appreciation and respect for the intrinsic qualities of the Historic National Road.