Illinois National Road

Discover the hidden towns along the Illinois National Road. In these videos, you will learn about the history, culture, fun-facts and interesting attractions from each of the towns featured along the Illinois Historic National Road.

Created in 1806 by legislation signed by President Thomas Jefferson, it was the only road completely built with federal funds.
Originally winding from Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia, Illinois, the National Road opened Illinois to settlement. Today, the Illinois National Road stretches 164 miles from Marshall to East St. Louis and is mirrored by U.S. Route 40 and Interstate 70.