From the earliest settlement of America, the colonists created roads for commerce, mail and general mobility.

Augustine Hermann. One of the first colonial roads that contributed to Route 40 was blazed across northern Delaware.
Eastern Post Roads. Up and down the Atlantic seaboard exist a web of road primarily designed to carry the mail. Route 40's alignment across northeastern Maryland once followed the exact path of some of these Post Roads.
Maryland Turnpikes. As Route 40 turns westward from the port city of Baltimore, it follows many of the turnpike roads to Cumberland.
Braddock's Road. One of the first military roads into the American wilderness was surveyed and blazed by a young Colonel George Washington. Sometimes called 'Washington's Road,' the road is more often referred to as 'Braddock's Road' after the inept British General who oversaw its construction.
Zane's Trace. West from Wheeling, Ebenezer Zane blazed a trail across southeastern Ohio. Route 40 follows the general path of Zane's Trace as far as Zanesville.

 

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