5 of the Oldest Roads in the U.S.
Roads are the silent storytellers of history, painting a picture of early trade and connection. In the United States, some roads predate the nation itself, tracing paths carved by the indigenous people and settlers. In no order, we explore five of the oldest roads in the U.S.
The Old King’s Highway
Today, most visitors to Massachusetts will enjoy the view of the 62-mile-long Route 6A. Most of the route was known as the Old Kings Highway and built as early as the 1600s. While it was once important for trade, it has been designated a National Scenic Byway since 2021.
The Boston Post Road
What is now known as U.S. Route 1 was once the Boston post road. Originally a trail used by Native Americans, it was used as early as 1673 to deliver mail between Boston and New York. One notable building on this road is the First Parish Church, built in 1888.
El Camino Real
The El Camino Real was a road built in the 1700s to connect 21 Spanish missionary outposts in California. The once 600-mile road is now part of several highways and routes, such as U.S. Route 101 and Interstate 5. Since 1963, it has been designated a California Historical Landmark.
The Natchez Trace
The Natchez Trace Parkway once connected the Mississippi River to the Cumberland River. While it initially served the natives who created the route, it became crucial to trade and transportation. Today, it is commemorated by the scenic 444-mile route called the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Forbes Road
As a service route during the French and Indian conflict, Forbes Road connected Fort Bedford with Fort Pitt (modern-day Pittsburgh). It was important for transporting supplies and troops. Today, parts of Forbes Road still follow U.S. Route 30, which marks an important chapter in early American military history.
