US 40 - The National Road

If there is a highway that can capture the early pioneer spirit of this nation, it is the National Road. America's Original Interstate Highway, generations of Americans have followed parts of what now is US 40 on their sojourns west. From early Indian paths to a federally funded route to the west, to a toll horse and wagon route, and finally into the automobile era, the National Road has served not only as a method of travel. It is also a source of history, commerce, recreation, and exploration.

An old segment of US 40 and the National Road in West Alexandria, PA

This site explores the history, the lure, and the features of this route through Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. The essay is a compilation of photos, research, and information by myself and others interested in exploring and sharing the splendor of this highway. I am honored to include their fine efforts on this site. If you wish to contribute to this site or have comments or links I can add, please contact me at aprince27@gmail.com.

Maryland:

Pennsylvania:

West Virginia:

Ohio:

Illinois:

Vandalia

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Did Caltrans just kill the G26 cutout US Route shields?

The US Route System was formally created by the American Association of State Highway Officials during November 1926. Through the history of the system the only state to which has elected to maintain cutout US Route shields has been California. The G26 series cutout US Route shields have become a favorite in the road enthusiast hobby and are generally considered to be much more visually pleasing than the standard Federal Highway Administration variant. However, the G26 shield series appears to have been killed off on January 18, 2026, when Caltrans updated their Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. This blog will examine the history of the US Route shield specifications in California and what is happening with the 2026 changes. The blog cover photo is facing towards the terminus of California State Route 136 and at a G26-2 specification US Route 395 shield. In the background Mount Whitney can be seen in the Sierra Nevada range. ...

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