The National Road (also known as the Cumberland Road) was the first major improved highway in the United States built by the federal government. Built between 1811 and 1837, the 620-mile road connected the Potomac and Ohio Rivers and was a main transport path to the West for thousands of settlers. When improved in the 1830s, it became the second U.S. road surfaced with the macadam process pioneered by Scotsman John Loudon McAdam. Part of the National Road can be seen in Fort Necessity National Battlefield.
After the Battle of Fort Necessity General Braddock was buried in what would become the National Road to hide his body. His body was later discovered and re-buried and the new gravesite and memorial are adjacent to remnants of the National Road.
