Philadelphia & Lancaster Turnpike
Caln Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
This was the nation's first major toll road, built by a private company incorporated 1792 by the state legislature. Completed two years later and praised as the finest highway of its day, the stone-and-gravel turnpike stretched 62 miles. The 35th milestone out of Philadelphia was placed here. Early in the 20th century, this road was acquired by the state; it became part of the transcontinental Lincoln Highway and U.S. 30.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Chartered by the state legislature in 1792 and completed two years later, the Philadelphia & Lancaster Turnpike was the nation's first major toll road — a 62-mile stone-and-gravel highway hailed as the finest of its day. Built by a private company, it inspired a wave of turnpike-building that knit the young republic together. The 35th milestone from Philadelphia stood here, and the route later became part of the Lincoln Highway and U.S. 30.
Why it matters
America's first great toll road launched the turnpike era that opened the interior to commerce and travel, a founding chapter in the story of the nation's roads.
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Related events
- · Lincoln Highway
Themes & tags
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