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National Road Museum

They called it the "Main Street of America." Today it serves as a microcosm of America's changing character during the 19th century. First envisioned by George Washington and his contemporaries, the National Road was the first highway to the west. Its 600 miles of wide rolling roadway, stretching from Cumberland, Maryland, to Vandalia, Illinois, carried crops, manufactured goods, cattle, news, families, and dreams to the frontier.

It began in 1806, the first federally supported road in the nation. Soon the liberties protected by the Northwest Ordinance and U.S. Constitution nurtured a free flow of travel and trade, spawning wheelwright shops, restaurants, inns, and towns along its banks.

By 1840 it became the country's busiest byway. One author who exemplified and inspired the adventurous American spirit during that century was native Ohioan Zane Grey. Grey's travels through the West provided background for his 56 best-selling westerns and 3 books on the Ohio Valley region.

The modern museum has several major exhibit areas. A 136-foot diorama of the National Road and many archival materials and artifacts illustrate the transportation theme. In addition, Zane Grey's study is recreated, and many of his manuscripts and other memorabilia are displayed.

The interpretive mission of the National Road-Zane Grey Museum is threefold. First, it is to describe the building, use and evolution of the National Road and its influence on the growth and development of Ohio and the nation. Second, it is to characterize Zanesville-born author Zane Grey and define his place in the literary history of America. Third, it is to present the contribution of the Zanesville art potters to this art form. Location and circumstance, though distinct, connect these three themes. They may be interpreted separately or as mutually contributory to the history of the area.