History
U.S. Route40, often called the National Road in its early years, is one of the United States first federally funded highways. The idea of a continuous coasttocoast route originated in the early 19thcentury, when the federal government sought to link the Eastern seaboard to the expanding western frontier.
The first segment, known as the National Road, began in Cumberland, Maryland in 1811 and reached Vandalia, Illinois by 1837. When the U.S. Highway System was created in 1926, the historic National Road became part of the newly numbered U.S.Route40, extending the alignment from Atlantic City, New Jersey to SanFrancisco, California. Over the years, the route was realigned several times to take advantage of newer, faster roadways, but many original alignments remain as scenic byways and local roads.
Route40 is more than pavement; its a living museum of American expansion.
Geography and Major Segments
Spanning roughly 2,500miles, Route40 traverses 12 states:
- California
- Nevada
- Utah
- Colorado
- Kansas
- Missouri
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Ohio
- WestVirginia
- Pennsylvania
- Maryland
- Delaware (short stretch)
- New Jersey
- New York (a small segment at the very eastern end)
Key geographic highlights include:
- The Great Plains wide open prairies of Kansas and eastern Colorado.
- The Rocky Mountains a dramatic crossing near the Continental Divide in Colorado.
- The Appalachian foothills rolling hills of West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
- The Mojave Desert arid stretches in eastern California and southern Nevada.
Culture, Landmarks, and Attractions
Because Route40 has existed for more than a century, it is lined with historic towns, museums, and natural wonders.
Historic Towns
- St.Louis, Missouri Home of the Gateway Arch, a symbolic doorway to the West.
- Columbia, Missouri Features a preserved stretch of the original National Road.
- Vicksburg, Mississippi While not directly on US40, the adjacent highways echo the same historic trade routes.
Scenic Byways
Sections of Route40 have been designated as scenic byways, such as the Historic National Road Scenic Byway in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and the Colorado River Trail in Colorado.
Landmarks
- The Gateway Arch (St.Louis)
- Fort Clinton State Park (Illinois)
- The Holladay Park historic district (Denver, CO)
- Lake McConaughy (New Mexicos adjacent route; often visited by Route40 travelers)
Pop Culture
Route40 appears in literature, music, and film. The 1971 song Route66 mentions a cousin highway, but many folk singers have referenced the Old 40 as a symbol of wanderlust and Americana.
Travel Tips for the Modern Explorer
Whether youre driving the whole length or just sampling a portion, these pointers will help you enjoy the journey.
- Plan for varied climates. From desert heat in Nevada to snow in the Rockies, bring appropriate clothing and check weather forecasts.
- Check road conditions. In mountainous sections, winter closures are common.
- Take advantage of historic markers. Many states have signage describing the original National Road.
- Fuel up in larger towns. Remote stretches, especially in Utah and Nevada, have few service stations.
- Explore side trips. Consider detours to nearby attractions like the Great Salt Lake, Mesa Verde National Park, or the Chesapeake Bay.
Remember, the essence of Route40 is not speed but the experience of moving across the diverse tapestry that makes up the United States.
