The Historic National Road is the Nation's first federally funded highway. It became a transportation corridor for goods and people, creating cultural diversity where visitors experience a physical timeline -- classic inns, toll houses, diners, and motels that trace 200 years of American history.

Look for the cast-iron mile markers placed along the route. These obelisk markers were placed every one mile and noted the distance to Cumberland and Wheeling and nearby towns.

First stop: Fort Necessity

Before the National Road was constructed, the first battle of the French & Indian War was fought there at Fort Necessity, 11 miles east of Uniontown, Colonial troops commanded Colonel George Washington were defeated in the small stockade at the "Great Meadow". Today the park comprises approximately 900 acres, including the battlefield with the reconstructed Fort, a visitor center, and Mount Washington Tavern.

Second stop: Mount Washington Tavern

Mount Washington Tavern, now part of the Fort Necessity National Battlefield, was a home built by Judge Nathaniel Ewing in about 1827. It later became a stage stop and tavern that served travelers on the National Road. This is a stagecoach tavern that Offered three basic things; food, drink, and lodging.

Third stop: Major General Edward Braddock

View the grave of British, leader of an ill-fated expedition to the forks of the Ohio River to try to capture French-held Fort Duquesne during the French and Indian War

Forth stop: Uniontown

Uniontown was the headquarters for three major stagecoach lines which carried passengers over the National Road, and The Columbia Rolling Mill, an iron and steel works, was located in Uniontown from 1887 to 1895. The mill was the town's unquestioned top industry at that time.

Fifth stop: Searight toll house

Named for tavern owner William Searight, the toll house is one of six toll houses along Historic National Road and the one of the two located route 40 in Pennslvania. Thousands of travelers paid tolls here while journeying along the road.

Six stop: Brownsville

Located on the Monongahela River, Brownsville was a center for steamboat building and river freight hauling. Here you can visit Nemacolin Castle, the Flatiron Building Heritage Center or a historic church of 1845. Stop to view the Flatiron Bridge built in the 1830s.

Seventh stop: Beallsville

Located here you’ll find the statues “The Madonna of the Trail”, an 18-ft. tall tribute to the pioneer mothers who traveled west. The Madonna of the Trail is a stony-faced pioneer Mother in long dress and bonnet, strutting westward with a rifle on one arm, an infant on the other while another little child grasps Mom's skirt.

Stop eight: Scenery Hill

This view opens up all the land, you’ll see the most breath taking scenes, where the towns, highways, mountains and the and the sky meet up to paint a beautiful picture.

Along the trail there are stops for antique shopping, picking up some fresh vegetables and fruit. You can also stop at an old diner The Route 40 Diner for a good breakfast, lunch or dinner.