My name is Nick Wilson and I am originally from Crawfordsville, Ind. I've worked for three newspapers throughout my journalism career, coming to the Banner Graphic in July of 2015. I hold the position of Senior Staff Writer -- a position that gives me great joy as I mingle with the community and report pertinent news to all of Putnam County.

The road that built the nation

Posted Friday, November 20, 2015, at 8:03 PM

(Banner Graphic/NICK WILSON)

I took this the other day while searching for scenery in southern Putnam County.

This is the original US Highway 40 which famously stretched from New Jersey to California. It was laid on the path of the much older National Road, which ran from New Jersey to Illinois.

National Road, constructed in 1806, joined with Victory Highway in Illinois in 1926 to become one of the first truly national roads in America.

Today, US 40 stretches from New Jersey to Utah after its western-most segment was functionally replaced by I-80 in 1956.

This was taken near Putnamville on a bit that is still drivable today (albeit at your own risk).

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