The Old Pike: A History of the National Road, with Incidents, Accidents, and Anecdotes Thereon; by Thomas B. Searight; 594 pp; Paper; 5.5x8.5; Published: 1894, Reprinted: 2006; index; ISBN: 155613407X; Item # HBS0407

This road, opened in 1818, began at Cumberland, Maryland, and ended in Illinois. Until the coming of the railroads west of the Allegheny mountains in 1852, the National Road was the one great highway over which passed the bulk of trade and travel, and mails between East and West. This work covers many aspects of life on the road, and names many of the people involved with the building of the road, and the people who made their living from the road. Illustrations enhance the text.