Exploring America’s first federally funded highway through Maryland’s scenic towns

A road trip that started it all

Long before interstates and exit signs, Americans were already drawn to the idea of movement and discovery. Roads were more than paths; they were promises of opportunity and change.

That spirit lives on along Maryland’s Historic National Road Scenic Byway, a roughly 170-mile drive from Baltimore to Grantsville that follows the story of the federally funded National Road.

This historic road carries the stories of settlers, traders, and travelers whose journeys helped shape the nation and inspired the road trip culture that remains beloved today.

How the idea of road travel began

In 1888, Bertha Benz proved long-distance driving was possible by navigating rough roads in an early automobile. Her journey helped spark global interest in road travel.

That idea eventually took hold in the United States, where vast land and growing towns demanded better connections. Americans embraced the freedom of the open road, turning travel into both a necessity and a national passion.

The birth of America’s first highway

The National Road was authorized by Congress in 1806 during the administration of President Thomas Jefferson, and construction began in Cumberland, Maryland, in 1811.

At the time, cars were not yet a common form of transportation. Wagons, horses, and stagecoaches carried families westward, making the road a critical route for settlement, trade, and expansion across the young nation.

From wagons to Route 40

For much of the 1800s, the National Road supported migration and commerce. Inns, towns, and supply stops grew alongside it to serve constant traffic.

Railroads later reduced their importance, but the road was never forgotten. In 1926, it became part of U.S. Route 40, allowing it to remain relevant as automobiles transformed American travel.

What makes this Maryland stretch special

The Historic National Road Scenic Byway covers 170 miles between Baltimore and Grantsville. It offers one of the most complete surviving sections of the original route.

Travelers encounter stone bridges, preserved towns, and early mile markers that still stand today. Each stop adds context, showing how the road influenced daily life and shaped communities over generations.

Starting the journey in Grantsville

Grantsville marks the western gateway to the Maryland portion of the road. The small mountain town feels quiet, welcoming, and deeply rooted in tradition.

Its riverside views and classic shops make it an ideal starting point. From here, the road eases travelers into a slower rhythm, setting the tone for a journey built around history and scenery.

Mile Marker Zero on the East Coast

A better ‘mile zero’ stop for this drive is in Cumberland, Maryland, where the National Road’s history is marked with a Zero Mile Marker/monument near the place construction began in 1811.

The landmark symbolizes the gateway between mainland America and the island chain. Standing beside the marker offers a sense of both completion and anticipation, as the road stretches thousands of miles toward Maine.

Surrounded by palm trees, pastel buildings, and ocean breezes, the spot captures the relaxed coastal spirit.

Nature alongside historic paths

The road weaves through landscapes shaped by the Appalachian Mountains. Forests, valleys, and rivers soften the journey with natural beauty.

Nearby, the Great Allegheny Passage provides an off-road trail for hiking and cycling. It allows visitors to experience the same terrain early travelers crossed, but at a slower and more peaceful pace.

Art and culture along the byway

Hagerstown adds a cultural layer to the drive with its museums and public art. The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts holds thousands of works, from paintings to sculptures, showcasing both local and international pieces.

The nearby Cultural Trail connects murals, sculptures, and green spaces across the city. Walking the trail allows travelers to enjoy art alongside history, showcasing how the National Road continues to inspire creativity and bring communities together.

Monuments and mountain views

Boonsboro is home to the National Road Museum, a place fully dedicated to preserving the story of America’s first highway. Inside, exhibits explain how early travel, trade, and migration shaped daily life and helped push the nation westward.

Just beyond town, South Mountain rises with a stone monument honoring George Washington. The elevated site offers wide views of the surrounding countryside and becomes a resting point for birds of prey in early fall.

Small towns before the city

As the road heads east, towns like Ellicott City preserve layers of early industry and travel. Antique shops and brick buildings line its streets.

The historic railroad station there, built in 1831, illustrates how roads and railways once worked in tandem. These towns act as gentle transitions before reaching Baltimore’s urban energy.

Ending the drive in Baltimore

For the Maryland scenic byway, Baltimore makes a natural endpoint. Historically, the National Road’s first construction began in Cumberland, which then connected travelers toward Baltimore via existing routes.

From cultural museums to local dining and harbor walks, the city rewards those who take the time to explore. It proves the old highway still connects directly to modern American life.

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Why this road still matters today

America’s first highway represents more than transportation. It reflects ambition, resilience, and the deep human desire to keep moving forward into the unknown.

Driving it today connects travelers with more than two centuries of stories, struggles, and hope. Every mile echoes wagon wheels, early engines, and modern road trips, reminding us that freedom, discovery, and connection all began on roads like this one.

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Curious which secret spots line this 170-mile highway? Let us know if you’d visit in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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