Curated OER
National Road to Indiana
Students explore the National Road to Indiana. In this U.S. highway history and primary source research activity, students read an original journal written by Jane Voorhees Lewis in 1806 describing her trip west on the first federally...
OpenStax
Open Stax: On the Move: The Transportation Revolution
By reading this section of a chapter on "Industrial Transformation in the North", students will learn about the development of improved methods of nineteenth-century domestic transportation and identify the ways in which roads, canals,...
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: James Monroe: Domestic Affairs
A good summary of the domestic policies of the Monroe Administration. Find out about Monroe's Cabinet, the Panic of 1819, the development of a road system, and the adoption of the Missouri Compromise.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: John Quincy Adams: Domestic Affairs
John Quincy Adams did not have any easy time as president. Read about his dreams for the nation, and what really was implemented.
Other
U.s. Route 40: History of Route 40
The history of U.S. Route 40, including the development of predecessor roads such as colonial roads, the national road, pioneer trails, and various highways.
Other
U.s. Route 40: History of Route 40
The history of U.S. Route 40, including the development of predecessor roads such as colonial roads, the national road, pioneer trails, and various highways.
Other
History Magazine: The National Road
This site gives a brief description of the development of the National Road but more interestedly contains an interview with some men in the late 1800's who talked about what life was like while on the Road.
Other
Infrastructure: Back in Time: The National Road
Read this essay about the National Road, its construction, and development of towns along its route.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Fort Necessity National Battlefield: The National Road
A discussion of the building of the National Road, its route, and importance to the opening of the West. From the National Park Service.
Legends of America
Legends of America: The National Road: First Highway in America
By the early 19th century, the wilderness of the Ohio country had given way to settlement. The road George Washington had cut through the forest many years before, called the Braddock Road, was replaced by the National Road. Cutting...