What is the cumberland road?

- Also known as the National Road was created by the Cumberland Road Act of 1806

- Was the principal transportation route to the west beginning from Cumberland

- Built primarily under direction of U.S. Army under direction of 2nd President (John Adams) and 4th (James Madison) and other notable names including Thomas Jefferson

Purpose and Impact

- Meant to provide a secure route West for new settlers along the northern portion of the Ohio River to meet up with the Northwest Territory to secure this newly established U.S. soil along the eastern boarder of present day Ohio

- By providing a quick safe passage with reduced risk of ambushes by local indigenous populations that were resisting western migration it encouraged immigration westward by families

- It also increased economic output by offering the first reliable market route that reduced shipping prices along its path for those settling this western territory increasing opportunities.

- Additionally the Cumberland roadway offered more options for land travel for these expanding communities to facilitate easier trade between communities