HISTORIC NATIONAL ROAD Historic National Road “The Road that Built the Nation” is a vibrant thouroughfare that makes for a great vacation. BY CHARLIE VASCELLARO Historic National Road Scenic Byway Founded in 1828, the B&O line was the country’s first railroad for commercial transportation of passengers and freight. The Historic National Road connected Maryland and the East Coast with the Western Frontier. The B&O Museum houses one of the most complete collections of railroad artifacts and memorabilia in the world, including a remarkable array of 19th-century vintage locomotives and rolling stock steam, electric and diesel engines, as well as passenger, freight and caboose cars. The museum also offers plenty of kid-friendly activities, including a carousel and a Happy Train carnival ride. Following a trail forged during the formative years of the country and early forays into the new frontier, the Historic National Road carved a panoramic passageway west for the country’s settlers and still makes for a nostalgic road trip across the state of Maryland, stretching 170 miles from the bustling streets of Baltimore to Maryland’s scenic Northern border. Running a complete distance of more than 800 miles from Maryland to Illinois, the Historic National Road is believed to be the nation’s oldest road connecting the Potomac and Ohio rivers and is often referred to as “The Road That Built the Nation.” 22 Cutting a swath through the multi-faceted landscape featuring historic milepost locations and contemporary cultural destinations, current travelers on the Historic National Road can create customized road trips by stopping at specific points of interest along the way. Via MD 144 & MD 27 BALTIMORE TO FREDERICK For its founding of the nation and other significant historic connections, Baltimore has often been referred to as a “City of Firsts.” The B&O Railroad Museum and its iconic roundhouse make for a great first stop along the Historic National Road. ✥ VISITMARYLAND.ORG | 1-877-209-5883
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2020 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 22
