Alexander Mitchell Letter to David J. Heaton   Save
Ohio History Connection
Description: Alexander Mitchell of Eaton, Ohio wrote this letter to David J. Heaton in Washington D. C., telling him of the effect the building of the National Road will have on the price of land in Preble County, Ohio. Mitchell explains that towns located along the route will surely benefit from the construction of the National Road, while those not located along the route will likely disappear. He encourages Heaton to consider the economic damage or benefits to property holders when determining the route of the road. The letter is four pages and measures 7.5" x 12.5" (19.05 x 31.75 cm). Construction on the National Road began in 1806. The road eventually ran from Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia, Illinois. Stretching 220 miles across Ohio alone, the road provided a way for farmers in the west to transport goods east, and was used by many people going west to settle. Much of the National Road was incorporated into the development of Route 40 in the twentieth century. Route 40 connects Atlantic City, New Jersey with San Francisco, California. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: Om1343_1149289_001
Subjects: Transportation; Daily Life; Roads
Places: Eaton (Ohio); Preble County (Ohio); Washington (District of Columbia)