What was the road built in the 1790s by a private company that linked Philadelphia and Lancaster, Pennsylvania?

The Lancaster Turnpike was a crucial infrastructure project completed in the 1790s, specifically designed to facilitate transportation between Philadelphia and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This project was initiated by a private company, marking one of the earliest examples of a toll road in the United States. The turnpike improved trade and travel in the region significantly by providing a reliable and faster route.

The importance of the Lancaster Turnpike lies not only in its immediate economic impact but also in its role as a model for subsequent road-building efforts across the country. Its construction showcased the potential for private enterprises to contribute to public infrastructure and was a precursor to the expansion of transportation networks that would support westward expansion in the 19th century.

In contrast, the National Road refers to a federally funded highway that began in the early 1800s, while the Transcontinental Highway and the Appalachian Trail are modern thoroughfares and hiking trails that serve entirely different purposes and timelines related to U.S. infrastructure.