The National Road or Cumberland Road
This was one of the first major improved highways in the United States to be built by the federal government. Construction began in 1811 at Cumberland, Maryland, on the Potomac River.
It crossed the Allegheny Mountains and southwestern Pennsylvania, reaching Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia), on the Ohio River in 1818.
Plans were made to continue through St. Louis, Missouri, on the Mississippi River to Jefferson City, Missouri, but funding ran out and construction stopped at Vandalia, Illinois, in 1838.
A chain of turnpikes connecting Baltimore, Maryland, to the National Road at Cumberland was completed in 1824, forming what is referred to as an eastern extension of the National Road.
In 1835 the road east of Wheeling was turned over to the states for operation as a turnpike. It came to be known as the National Pike, a name also applied to the Baltimore extension.
The modern U.S. Route 40 between Baltimore and Cumberland continues to use the name Baltimore National Pike today, and a spur into the Washington, D.C., area (part of Interstate 270) is known as the Washington National Pike.
During the periods of 1811-1818 Stone mile markers are erected on the south side of the National Road at 5 mile intervals.
In 1835
The stone markers are replaced with cast iron obelisk mile markers. The iron markers are cast in Brownsville at the Snowden Foundry and in Connellsville by Major James Francis.
The Connellsville-produced markers are located along the North side of the National Road between Cumberland, Maryland and Brownsville, Pennsylvania .
The new mile markers are placed at one mile intervals and total 133 between Cumberland and Wheeling. Each marks the distances to Cumberland and to Wheeling as well as to the closest town. Construction of the National Road continues through Ohio, Indiana and Illinois during the 1830's, 1840's, and even into the 1850’s
Located on the North Side of the National Road you will locate this Marker and Small cache. Log and Stash Note only so BYOP.
Parking is provided along the shoulder or on the adjacent road to the marker, Please do not block the raod.
Stealth will be a priority as you will be in full view of anyone passing by or visiting the area, But a true interest in History will provide cover for your search
Congratulations to eightwednesday for the FTF !!!!