From Baltimore to Western Maryland, Take The Scenic Historic National Road

From Baltimore to Western Maryland, Take The Scenic Historic National Road

In Baltimore, Maryland, the picturesque byways, antique rows, early morning farmers' markets, and vineyards are just a few of the things to see and do while driving around the city.

The Sacred Route of the Nation

The National Road, a dirt and cobblestone-covered route, was the quickest method for new immigrants to traverse the Appalachian Mountains westward hundreds of years ago. Conestoga carts pulled by horses carried construction materials and other necessities for early settlers. Stagecoaches and horse-drawn carriages transported families westward, making frequent stops to take advantage of the welcoming communities along the road.

The first government-sponsored roadway in the U.S.A. was the National Road. It took four decades of hard work to finish the National Road project. There was a single highway from Baltimore to Vandalia, Illinois. Trade and communication with the expanding frontier in the Ohio River Valley were the primary goals of the settlement, which started in 1806.

From Baltimore, you may drive to Western Maryland through the state's section of I-70. Make time to see the historic inns, taverns, and stores. There are three Maryland Heritage Areas that the Historic National Road intersects:

• Baltimore City
• Heart of Civil War (in Frederick)
• Canal Place (in Cumberland)

The Baltimore National Pike runs from Baltimore to Cumberland. Charles Street and the National Historic Seaport byways are also nearby along the water's edge in the Inner Harbor neighborhood. The Baltimore & Ohio Train Museum, situated at the site of the country's oldest railroad station, may be reached by taking Lombard Street west.

The National Historic District of Catonsville, located west of Baltimore along MD 144 (Frederick Road), was established in 1810 and became a popular destination for summer residences after being connected to downtown Baltimore by electric trolley lines.

Before crossing the Patapsco River, make your way into Oella, a little village. Old stone and brick structures that originally housed employees in the textile and paper mills remain in Oella. Benjamin Banneker, an African American mathematician, was also a resident of Oella. Oella has a 142-acre historical park and museum dedicated to him. Patapsco Valley State Park, a 14,000-acre, five-recreational area, is located nearby. Additionally, the Avalon Visitor Center is nearby.

You'll find charming stores selling antiques and unusual items as well as eateries serving local fare in Ellicott City, just over the Patapsco. Formerly a flour milling community, Ellicott City has the nation's first railroad depot and Thomas Isaac's Log Cabin, a National Roadway station.

A variety of wineries available for tours and picnics may be found while traveling to Mount Airy. Boutiques and antique stores may be found in abundance in this part of town. As you make your way into Frederick, you'll see old hotels, restaurants, and taverns that served National Road visitors.

Agricultural items were delivered to Baltimore's port from Frederick when the National Pike linked the two cities. Many examples of architecture from the last two centuries can be found in Frederick. Before heading to the Children's Museum of Rose Hill, be sure to stop by Francis Scott Key's legal office and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.

From Baltimore to Western Maryland, scenic back roads are a much better way to get there than the bland and boring major highways.

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