The Road That Invented American Trucking

Before diesel engines and interstates, American freight moved behind eight horses on a wagon with no driver’s seat. The road beneath it would shape trucking language, bridge engineering, roadside America—and even how Americans drive today. Built as the nation’s first great federally financed highway, the National Road carried livestock, Conestoga wagons, mail coaches and eventually the trucks that made US Route 40 legendary. Along the way came unusual S-shaped stone bridges, a record-breaking suspension span, tollhouses, diners, motor courts and truck stops serving freight around the clock. But the road that helped invent American trucking was slowly abandoned by the government that built it. When Interstate 70 arrived, the old highway and the businesses beside it faced something more destructive than heavy traffic, harsh winters or the railroad: a new line drawn just far enough away to leave entire towns behind. --------- We do not fully own the material compiled in this video. It belongs to individuals or organizations that deserve respect and consideration. This video was created under the Fair Use Law Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976. "Fair use" is allowed for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, and research. It is transformative in nature, uses no more of the original than necessary, and has no negative effect on the market for the original work. #vintageamericanmachines #vintageengines