What if your next road trip came with 200 years of stories around every bend? In Guernsey County, you can experience just that along Historic National Road (U.S. Route 40)—often called “the road that built a nation.”
Nearly 32 miles of the National Road wind through Guernsey County, right through the heart of Cambridge along Wheeling Avenue. Today, it’s a scenic invitation to slow down, explore charming communities, discover local shops and restaurants and uncover pieces of Ohio history along the way.
The story begins with Zane’s Trace
The story begins long before automobiles ever traveled Route 40. What started as a wilderness trail used by Native Americans and frontiersmen became Zane’s Trace, named for Ebenezer Zane, who was commissioned by Congress in 1796 to establish a wagon route connecting Zanesville and Wheeling.
President Thomas Jefferson created the first federally funded highway
In 1806, President Thomas Jefferson signed legislation creating the nation’s first federally funded highway. Construction eventually reached Guernsey County in 1828, opening the way for travelers, settlers and commerce to move westward.
As travelers increased, so did the communities along the road. Inns, taverns, stagecoach stops and tollgates popped up to welcome weary travelers and serve everyone from politicians and businessmen to farmers and families.
The arrival of the railroad—and later Interstate 70—changed the way Americans traveled, but the National Road never lost its charm. Today, it’s an All American, National Scenic Byway and a perfect alternative for travelers who prefer a slower, more scenic journey.
More than 25 attractions, historic sites and interpretive markers
And there’s plenty to see along the way. More than 25 attractions, historic sites and interpretive markers throughout Guernsey County tell the story of this remarkable highway. Look for historic stagecoach stops, tollgates, picturesque “S” bridges, antique shops, locally owned restaurants and historic architecture.
So, roll down the windows, take your time and follow the road less hurried. The National Road has been inviting travelers to explore Ohio for nearly two centuries—and your adventure is still waiting.
Download a free trail guide or contact the Cambridge/Guernsey County VCB at 740-432-2022 for more information.