The National Road

I got a late start again today because it was raining. But for a brief shower in eastern Illinois it was a beautious day.

I did my best to follow the National road west from Terre Haute. The road was originally authorized by Thomas Jefferson in 1806. It was only to go to the Ohio River. It didn't make it to Vandalia Illinois until 1828 and that is as far as it went. Pavement was another hundred years coming. Here is an original section.


The chief lobbying group for paving this and other roads was the League of American Wheelmen! I wonder if motorists even cared about pavement. Part of the delay in improving the National Road was the fact that shortly after it was completed it was rendered redundant by railroads.

I looked for milestones and original bridges (S bridges) through Indiana and Illinois but found only one straight bridge completed in 1838. The fact that it was built by Army engineers confirms my belief that the highway was built for military purposes more than to enable commerce.

This next picture is an excellent example of a catenary arch. This is something I suggested someone look for in the architecture of the Eglesia Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. I'm going to visit my namesake tonight and sample some Killkenny.
I'm going to visit my namesake tonight and sample some Killkenny.