This is a portion of the original US 40 looking west in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. US 40 also known on this original portion as the National Highway runs from Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia, Illinois. Here it follows the route that George Washington took with the British under General Braddock during the French and Indian War ( as well as Geo Washington earlier starting said war about 5 miles from this location. ) This first national highway was officially designated in 1806 with toll houses on the route, a few of which are still standing. Later US 40 was re-aligned from Atlantic City, NJ to its end in San Francisco, CA. Now it ends near Salt Lake CIty Utah. I hope to travel the portion from Cumberland to Vandalia sometime this year. Might see why is shares another nickname with US 66, Main Street of America.
