the national road was Americas first federal funded highway. running from Cumberland Maryland to the Illinois prairies. built in the early 1900's later it was followed by US40 and later interstate 70. ( my folks used to live in martinsville IL for a few years, right off US 40)
here is a online guide to the road less traveled, the American road magazine. this crowd will find value in it

click on the regional map for itineraries.
http://americanroadmagazine.com/