King's Highway | |
|---|---|
| Route information | |
| Length | 1,300 mi (2,100 km) |
| Existed | Late 1600s–1800s |
| Major junctions | |
| From | Charleston, SC |
| To | Boston, MA |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| Highway system | |
The King's Highway was a roughly 1,300-mile (2,100 km) road laid out from 1650 to 1735 in the American colonies. It was built on the order of Charles II of England, who directed his colonial governors to link Charleston, South Carolina, and Boston, Massachusetts.
The section north of New York City, laid out on January 22, 1673, became the Upper Boston Post Road.[1] The road was finally completed in 1735. Much of the Post Road is now U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Route 20.
The King's Highway Historic District in New Jersey covers U.S. Route 206 and New Jersey Route 27, connecting Lawrenceville with Kingston through Princeton.[2]
In Pennsylvania, much of the route is now U.S. Route 13.[3] (In Philadelphia, Route 13 becomes Frankford Avenue.)[4]
Through Maryland, the King's Highway largely follows U.S. Route 1.[5]
From Virginia southward, the modern U.S. 17 has many segments that follow the old King's Highway.
- ^ Map Guide to American Migration Routes, 1735–1815 by William Dollarhide, Heritage Quest, 1997, ISBN 1-877677-74-4
- ^ "The Oldest Road in America, the King's Highway, Passes Right Through New Jersey". 24 March 2020.
- ^ "LaVO: Bucks County's first 'interstate' highway — 366 years in the making".
- ^ "America's Oldest Road Takes Center Stage in New Documentary".
- ^ "Route 1's Roots Run Deep". 4 May 2017.
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