National Road. In the early 1800’s, many pioneers began moving into the territory west of the Ohio River. These settlers wanted their section to grow rapidly and began demanding a better route from the East to the West. In 1811, work began on a road that, when completed, led from Cumberland, Maryland, to Vandalia, Illinois. Over $7 million in federal funds was eventually spent on the road. It was known at first as the Great National Pike but later came to be called the National Road or the Cumberland Road. For many years, the National Road was the chief road west. As railroads developed, the road became less important. In the 1900’s, its route was largely followed by U.S. Highway 40.
