National Road, Straße in Cambridge, Ohio
The National Road in Ohio is a historic route listed on the National Register of Historic Places that extends across several states. It runs through rolling hills, farmland, and wooded areas, and many sections still retain their wide, flat original structure.
The route follows paths used for centuries by Native American tribes for trade and travel. In the early 1800s, it became the first federally funded road and played a key role in connecting Ohio's frontier lands to the rest of the country.
The name reflects its role as the first federally funded road in the country. Walking along it today, you notice small towns and old taverns that grew up around this route, places where travelers once gathered and traded.
Many sections remain in use as local roads, while others are designated as scenic byways. Maps and guides are available through the Ohio National Road Association to help you plan your own exploration.
Some sections function as museum corridors where old taverns and shops preserve the appearance of the 1800s. Visitors can explore these places and get a direct sense of how travelers once stopped for rest and provisions.
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