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A road trip that started it all
Long before interstates and exit signs, Americans were already drawn to the idea of movement and discovery. Roads were more than paths; they were promises of opportunity and change.
That spirit lives on along Maryland’s Historic National Road Scenic Byway, a roughly 170-mile drive from Baltimore to Grantsville that follows the story of the federally funded National Road.
This historic road carries the stories of settlers, traders, and travelers whose journeys helped shape the nation and inspired the road trip culture that remains beloved today.
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How the idea of road travel began
In 1888, Bertha Benz proved long-distance driving was possible by navigating rough roads in an early automobile. Her journey helped spark global interest in road travel…