It should come as no surprise to long-time Bay Staters that this state is loaded with history. From the first Thanksgiving to the war for independence, you could argue that Massachusetts is the birthplace of the nation.
But did you know that this state is also home to the oldest highway in America? The King’s Highway starts out in Massachusetts and travels all the way down to the southern states.
The King’s Highway is the oldest road in America. Established by King Charles II of England in 1650, the road slowly expanded southward from Boston until 1735.
Wikimedia Commons/Tasty Cakes
King Charles II ordered the road’s construction in order to help link various English colonies along the eastern coast.
Wikimedia Commons/Herman Moll
The road was vital to the flow of information and people during the early days of European colonization. It evolved in part from the Boston Post Road, which was a network of mail delivery routes between New York and Boston.
Wikimedia Commons/Georges Jansoone
Much of the Massachusetts portion of the King’s Highway follows actually the trails of indigenous peoples, such as the Pequot Path.
Wikimedia Commons/SPUI
Today, the highway spans 1,300 miles. It passes through Boston and Cambridge (check out the marker in Harvard Square) and continues on to New Haven and Fairfield.
Getty/Dennis Tangney Jr.
From there, it travels down through New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Much of the road is now known as US Route 1 and US Route 20.
Getty/Dennis Tangney Jr.
If you’re ever in the mood for a historic road trip down the eastern coast of America, this is the highway you’ll want to follow. No stagecoach required!
Getty/Anton Petrus
Did you know about the King’s Highway? Do you have any fond memories of road-tripping down this historic route? Share your experiences with us in the comments!
Wikimedia Commons/Tasty Cakes
Wikimedia Commons/Herman Moll
Wikimedia Commons/Georges Jansoone
Wikimedia Commons/SPUI
Getty/Dennis Tangney Jr.
Getty/Dennis Tangney Jr.
Getty/Anton Petrus
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