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The National Road in Illinois
Features
Click on a city's location point to view highlights.
Casino Queen
East St. Louis, Illinois
For ten years, the Casino has been featured in the top five on Casino Player Magazine's annual list of loosest slots. The Casino Queen has had the loosest slots in the country for the last 4 years!
Gateway Classic Cars & Museum
Fairmont City, Illinois
What will you find in Fairmont City? You can see everything from Model T's to Muscle cars and shop the antique Mall for classic car models and memorabilia. More to see in the area too!
Cahokia Mounds Historic Site
Collinsville, Illinois
Cahokia Mounds is the largest pre-historic site north of Mexico. At its height, the city, arranged around open plazas, had approximately 20,000 residents. A total of 120 mounds were built.
A Reproduction of the Past
Troy, Illinois
While in Troy, Illinois, stop by the Troy Historical Society's Reproduction of the 1857 Mersinger Cabin. Get a glimpse of the past and take a look around and enjoy the community.
Take a Walk You Will Remember
St. Jacob, Illinois
Along the National Road, you will find the community of St. Jacob. Take the opportunity to visit the St. Jacob Park and stroll the Memorial Walk. It is a reflective visit along the Road.
Kaeser Park and Museum
Highland, Illinois
Originally a stagecoach stop built in 1840, today, the brick structure houses a museum with historical items from the business community, city government, and civic / social organizations.
You Never Know What You Will Find
Pocahontas, Illinois
Pocahontas was originally known as Hickory Grove and then Amity. Enjoy our sites. You never know, native country singer Gretchen Wilson could be right around the corner.
A "Fort"ified History
Greenville, Illinois
Hills Fort was built on one acre about 1811, in what is now Mills Township. On September 4, 1814, four rangers were killed. A marker commemorates the event.
Take A Look Around...Discover
Smithboro, Illinois
Smithboro was once called Henderson Station and was renamed after Henry H. Smith, the town's postmaster. The town name was spelled "Smithborough" until 1893.
Something You Don't See Everyday
Mulberry Grove, Illinois
Mulberry Grove has existed under the names Bucktown, Houston, and Shakerag. A post office was established in 1834, and Mulberry Grove was incorporated as a village in 1857.
Illinois' Oldest Capitol Building
Vandalia, Illinois
The Vandalia Statehouse is the oldest surviving Illinois capitol building. During the brief time state government was located at Vandalia, 1836-1839. In 1837, government was relocated to Springfield.
Thrills and Spills
Brownstown, Illinois
The fairgrounds are easily accessible by driving two miles east on Route 40. The track is a quarter-mile clay oval with banked turns. Plenty of amenities for all and plenty of level parking.
Indian Arts & Crafts / Southwest Decor
St. Elmo, Illinois
This American Indian Craft store features the largest selection of American Indian Jewelry in the Midwest, pottery, baskets, Kachina's, bronzes, and much more.
Ballard Nature Center
Altamont, Illinois
The Ballard Nature Center, consisting of 210 acres, is a fully functional nature education site with a visitor center, staff, programs, activities, and numerous miles of trails.
Cross at the Crossroads
Effingham, Illinois
The Cross Foundation completed a 198-foot Cross. The site is intended to serve as a beacon of hope to the 50,000 travelers passing each day. It is the largest cross structure anywhere.
Teutopolis Monastery Museum
Teutopolis, Illinois
Teutopolis became a home to Franciscan Friars in 1858. The present museum, housed within the monastery, features religious artifacts from the Friars depicting the pioneer era.
Pause and Remember
Montrose, Illinois
Take time to "pause along the way" and remember those who served this country. The Veterans War Memorial is just one of several memorials you will find along the National Road.
Remembering Those Who Gave All
Jewett, Illinois
Dedicated to the citizens of Jewett, Illinois in 1994, this War Memorial stands honoring all who have given all in the four branches of the United States military. We Remember!
Cumberland County Covered Bridge
Greenup, Illinois
Completed in 2000, this beautiful timber bridge replaced an early 20th century metal and concrete bridge. A young Abraham Lincoln, and his father Tom, purportedly helped build the original bridge.
Fairview Park
Casey, Illinois
Built at the turn of the 20th Century, this park once hosted some of the best horse racing in central Illinois. The annual Bluegrass Festival and other festivals and activities are held here.
Lincoln School Museum
Martinsville, Illinois
The Lincoln School Museum is a restored 1880's one-room brick school. It stands on its original location. The building now serves as a living history museum for area school students.
Archer House
Marshall, Illinois
The Archer House is the oldest hotel in Illinois. Col. William B. Archer, the founder of Marshall, built the house in 1841 as a stagecoach stop. Today, the House serves as a bed and breakfast.
The Historic National Road...
also known as the "Road That Built the Nation", was created in 1806 by legislation signed by President Thomas Jefferson. Sometimes called "The Cumberland Road" and "The Old Pike", 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.
Visitors can see where Lincoln’s political career began, marvel at a giant catsup bottle, and enjoy the food, festivals, and fun that make the Historic National Road a relaxed journey through Americana.
Mission Statement
The National Road Association of Illinois has as its mission to preserve, protect, promote. and enhance the Historic National Road across the State of Illinois for future generations. The Association also interprets the heritage of Illinois, promotes cultural tourism in all twenty-three communities on the Road, and strives to boost economic development along the Road. The twenty-one historical kiosks placed along the Road help interpret each community’s history because of the Road. The kiosks create “emotional archaeology” for visitors recalling past events, people, places, customs, and other social happenings that happened along the Road. Members of the National Road Association believe that the Road will create a tourism beacon for visitors to spend “quality time” on the 164 miles of the National Road. This is truly the “The Road That built the Nation”. Other names for the Road are the Cumberland Trail, National Pike, National Trail, and the National Road. It became a main street through several communities earning it the nickname “The Main Street of America”. The Road is also a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road.
Vision Statement
The vision for members of the National Road Association of Illinois is that through the National Road Welcome Center in Marshall, Illinois and the National Road Interpretive Center in Vandalia, Illinois, they will instill a sense of pride for the National Road and its many stories and help educate and showcase the history, culture, art, architecture, beauty, and transportation along the National Road.
