The National Road - Pennsylvania

The National Road - Pennsylvania - Claysville

The town of Claysville is like many along the National Road. Small and rural with US 40 serving as its main street. Numerous old homes that date to the 18th and 19th centuries. Small and unique businesses that celebrate the heritage of the National Road.

Downtown Claysville along US 40.

Claysville was founded by John Purviance. Purviance started a tavern in the general vicinity of the town around 1800. When he learned that the plans for the National Road had the road going near his tavern, he laid out the town. The town's name of Claysville in in honor of Henry Clay who is considered by many as the "Father of the National Road."

One of many historic homes within Claysville.

Claysville annually celebrates the National Road with their "Claysville Pike Days" held the third weekend of May. This festival is one of many festivals along the National Road during National Road Festival, a celebration of the National Road now entering its 45th year. The two day event features local entertainment, food, and craft vendors.

I visited Claysville on the 4th of July in 2010 and came across this 48 star flag.

Exiting Claysville to its west, there is an old alignment of the National Pike. It begins at the interchange with Interstate 70 and runs through the town of West Alexander before rejoining US 40 in West Virginia.

The old National Pike in Rural Washington County.

Site Navigation:

Sources & Links:

Claysville, PA History & Nostalgia ---Carol Mounts
History of Claysville, PA ---Ray's Place
Western Route 40 Business Association

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