US 40 National Road

Travel US 40 the historic National Road

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Why they celebrated the new concrete paving!

One journey that is enjoyable is following portions of the Old National Road, aka US 40. It was built between 1811 and 1834 and was the first federally funded road in U.S. history. The whole route runs an approximately 820-mile-long path through Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Anyway, near Brownsville, Ohio, east of Columbus, you’ll find the Eagle’s Nest Monument. It was erected around 1916 after a 29 mile stretch of the then unimproved and often nearly impassable road was replaced with concrete. The stretch of highway ran from Zanesville to Hebron. The large granite rock has some great markings, including a primitive Conestoga wagon.

The Eagles Nest monument

Conestoga wagon etched into the granite

 

 

 

 

 

You are 220 miles from the start of the National Road in Cumberland, MD.

Get off the interstate and travel the Old National Road anywhere along the route in any state. The signage is excellent and easy to follow, and you won’t be bored!

Richmond Indiana Uranus Fudge Factory and T-Rex

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Richmond Indiana is on the Ohio border and the junction of I-70 and  Historic National Road, i.e. US 40. Fitting that this is the location of the relatively new true roadside attraction. The Uranus Fudge Factory and associated dinosaur park is a fun stop for kids of all ages.

Outside the entrance

Maj couldn’t resist the chance to be an alien…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo courtesy Uranus Fudge Factory

The Uranus Fudge Factory is a unique novelty store featuring funny phrases on t-shirts and hoodies and other gifts. In addition there are tons of different kinds of fudge as well as ice cream treats.  Stuff that the kids will love is everywhere. Even an arcade for defeating the aliens is there for your pleasure. Keep in mind that some of the sayings can be considered a bit off color.

 

As you approach Exit 156 on I-70 you’ll see a very very large white cross. When you approach take Exit 156B. This is marked for US 40 East, and as soon as you exit you will see the Uranus Fudge Factory on your left. You’ll also see the life sized T-Rex and other dinosaurs. You have arrived.