The National Road: Ohio
Cambridge to Zanesville
Just before entering New Concord, another 'S' bridge stands off of the now heavily beaten path of Route 40.  The bridge is similar to the one located in Claysville and Cambridge.  However, this one has been restored to magnificent condition.  This is the Fox Creek 'S' Bridge.  Paved in brick, the bridge, located at the intersection of OH 83 and US 40, has a renewed life that future generations can enjoy.  The Fox Creek Bridge was  the last segment of the National Road to be paved in brick in 1919. The National Road from Maryland to Illinois was paved in brick during the 1910s for military vehicles.
The restored Fox Creek 'S' Bridge and Park near New Concord. (Mike Austing) The Fox Creek Bridge is a striking contrast to modern US 40 nearby. (Mike Austing) A side profile view of the Fox Creek 'S' Bridge. (Mike Kentner, June 2, 2007)

New Concord is one of the numerous small Ohio towns along US 40.  It is the birthplace of American Hero, John Glenn, and the home the Muskies of Muskingum College.
 
Americans have always been fascinated with travel, the west, and the stories from the two.  In the former stagecoach village of Norwich, The National Road/Zane Grey Museum celebrates this spirit.  The museum features stories about the National Road, the country first 'western route'.  It also documents the life and times of Zanesville native, Zane Grey, who is known as "The Father of the Adult Western."  Across the street from this 'must stop' museum is Baker's Motel.  The motel's original owner, L.B. Baker, donated the land that is now the site of the museum.

Leaving Norwich from the west, the old National Pike follows Brick Road.  Here for about a mile, the old highway holds onto its early 20th century heritage as a brick road. (Photos below taken by Mike Kentner; June 2, 2007.)

 The old National Road enters Norwich. (Mike Kentner, June 2, 2007)

Unfortunatley, one of Norwich's claims to Ohio history is that it is the site of the first recorded traffic fatality in the state's history.  A monument and historical marker along the old highway marks the tragic event.  A plaque on the monument reads, "In Memory of Christopher C. Baldwin, librarian of the American Antiquarian Society Worcester, Mass., killed on this curve Aug. 20, 1835, by the overturning of a stage coach.  This being the first traffic accident on record in this state."  The tablet was placed in Baldwin's honor 90 years after his death by a local Boy Scout Troop.

On an old alignment just west of Norwich, the former National Road goes over a stone arch bridge.  This arch bridge appears to be of the same design as those of the famous 'S' bridges built along the highway in the early 1800s.
 

 Christopher C. Baldwin monument on Old US 40, Norwich, Ohio.  (Photo taken by Mike Kentner, June 2, 2007.)
Left and Right Photos: A stone arch bridge found on a former alignment of the National Road west of Norwich.  (Photos taken by Mike Kentner, June 2, 2007)

One of the oldest cemeteries along the National Road is in Zanesville.  The Greenwood Cemetery was built by the city in 1835.  Originally named 'City Cemetery' until 1885, numerous politicians and other well known local citizens have been buried here.  The stone-arch which serves as the entrance way to the grounds has been standing since 1887.


The over 115 year old arched entrance to Zanesville's Greenwood Cemetery (MIke Austing)
Zanesville may be best known for its "Y Bridge".  Since 1814, five versions of this very unique bridge has spanned the confluence of the Licking and Muskingum Rivers.  The current version of the bridge was built in 1984 and carries US 40.  What makes the bridge unique is that it's basically shaped like a "Y".   All three legs of the bridge meet at a center island type pier making it possible to cross a river but staying on the same shore side as where you started!
 
Historical marker for the "Y" Bridge. (photo taken by Mike Austing) A view of all three legs of the "Y" Bridge.  (photo taken by Mike Austing) Another view of the bridge, the traffic light on the left edge of the photo is the center of the "Y".  (photo taken by Mike Austing)

The National Road in Ohio is full of various road, historical, and Americana features.  If you would like to assist in this project with anything from corrections, to new ideas, stories or photos, please e-mail me at aprince27@gmail.com.


Continuing on the Trail:
  • East through Cambridge and through Gurnsey County
  • West towards Franklin County
  • National Pike Photo Essay Index

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    Site Navigation, Sources & Links:

  • The National Road @ roadfan.com ---Marc Fannin and Sandor Gulyas
  • US 40 @ Unofficial Ohio State Highways Web Site ---John Simpson
  • US 40 @ OHHighways.com ---Jeff Kitsko
  • Route 40 Net ---Frank Brusca
  • City of Zanesville, Ohio
  • Y Bridge @ Ohroadtrips.com
  • Mike Austing
  • Mike Kentner

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    Page Created: May 18, 2002
    Last Updated: July 5, 2007

    © 2002-07 William Lawson