The home stretch and I started the day in a major town along the nation’s first federally funded road. Washington was one of the major roads along the Pennsylvania stretch of the National Pike. Starting in Baltimore, it initially was only 175 miles long to Cumberland, MD but eventually grew to 620 miles. In the end it connected the Potomac and Ohio rivers with a land road.
I’d been on this road a few times in the past. It’s character always caused me to want to learn more. This was my chance. I saw original tollbooths and mileage markers along the way. I visited Fort Necessity where preconceptions of George Washington were shattered: here he was a young officer, here he was a British soldier, here he fought and lost! Fascinating. We’re talking very early U.S. history in these parts.
This was a fun road to drive. Some of the character you see on all our older roads was visible. At the right is an old service stations repurposed as an addition to someone’s home. There were old homes, train stations, gas stations, and all you’d expect to see along a historic road.
This was the final day of a very long trip. I was anxious to get home to see my family before the forgot about me completely. Consequently I took it all in a bit fast but I accomplished what I wanted. In the future, I’ll route myself along this road as opportunity presents itself. There much still to be seen and learned.
by 
