The Old Pike A History of the National Road, with Incidents, Accidents, and Anecdotes Thereon

"The Old Pike" by Thomas B. Searight is a historical examination of the National Road that captures its relevance in the early development of the United States. The narrative follows the inception and construction of the National Road, beginning with its conception in 1806 under President Jefferson and moves to its significance as the first federally funded highway. The chronicle highlights important individuals such as Henry Clay and Andrew Stewart, while setting aside storied myths. Searight aims to detail the road’s historical importance, comparable to the Appian Way, and the cultural and economic influences it had on the nation. Readers journey through stories of accidents, incidents, and anecdotes that paint a picture of a vital pathway in early America.