Family road trips are almost a rite of passage. Hours in the car can seem a bit daunting, especially when each family member has their own interests and tolerance levels. But putting the normal ups and downs of family travel aside, a road trip together is a great way to see the country on your own terms, hand picking what you want to see and do, and making memories as a family. Even the “bad” memories make for great stories later.
But where to start? The United States has endless miles of roadways that crisscross the country, and seemingly unlimited destinations and attractions, so choosing where you to even begin your trip can be an overwhelming task. But it all has to start somewhere, and in Maryland, you’ll find a unique milestone that sets the stage for all the roads that follow.
In Cumberland, Maryland, the Great Allegheny Passage starts, and the Zero Mile Marker leads the way to incredible journeys across the country. This epic milestone marks the beginning of the country’s first federally funded highway, dubbed the National Road when first built in 1811 as a means for settlers to work their way west. Starting in Maryland, this original route runs for about 620 miles to Illinois, although it eventually expanded to become part of US Highway 40 in the 1920s, connecting the East and West coasts.
Maryland is full of firsts — after all, it was one of the original colonies. In addition to being home to the Zero Mile Marker for the National Road, it was also the birthplace of the American Railroad. With so much history based on travel, it makes sense to take advantage of this historic route to make memories with the family while you show them a bit of the country’s history.
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