The Oldest Road In America, The King’s Highway, Passes Right Through Virginia

Virginia has so many fascinating historical attractions, that it hardly seems as though a single road could compete. But what if we told you that this particular road happens to be the single oldest in the United States? The King's Highway was built under the orders of Charles II of England, who wanted the colonies of Charleston and Boston to be linked. The route begins in Suffolk and works its way along Virginia's coast up through Fredericksburg, Alexandria, and beyond. Though a majority of this original route has been paved, widened, and renovated, there's still something so alluring about the opportunity to travel this colonial route.

The King's Highway was roughly 1,300 miles in length and connected the colonies of Charleston and Boston. The route, shown below with modern state borders, was mapped out between 1650 and 1735.

A majority of the original route has been altered; however, there are portions from Virginia southward that still follow the original route.

It's fascinating to think that this route which once serviced carriages and buggies is still in use today.

An example of the original road can be found just outside of Woodbridge, Virginia, running parallel to Route 1. It's believed that George Washington himself frequented this very road.

Highway 17 and Route 3 are also examples of present-day roads that follow the original route.

In fact, there's a portion of Route 3 called Kings Highway, as shown above. Should you ever find yourself on this route, you'll now appreciate the immense history behind the road.

What are your thoughts on the fascinating history behind the King's Highway? Are you familiar with this present-day route? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! For more information about the original route of King's Highway, you can click here.