The Cumberland Road is the first national road of the United States. Thomas Jefferson was the one who authorized the funding of it. The construction lasted from 1811 to 1834 and connected Cumberland to the Ohio River. The road was very important because it helped unite the country by connecting the east to the west before the railroads came.
Had similar influences with the development of Erie Canal; trains; etc—-developed more connection throughout the region and also developed trade and connection to news/spread news quicker
