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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

National Road to Indiana

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students explore the National Road to Indiana. In this U.S. highway history and primary source research lesson, students read an original journal written by Jane Voorhees Lewis in 1806 describing her trip west on the first federally...
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Handout
Henry J. Sage

Sage American History: James Monroe and the Era of Good Feelings

For Students 9th - 10th
A complete look at the administration of James Monroe and the policies of the Era of Good Feelings. You can read about the domestic policies, foreign affairs, and important decisions of the Supreme Court made during the Monroe...
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Website
University of Virginia

Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: James Monroe: Domestic Affairs

For Students 9th - 10th
A good summary of the domestic policies of the Monroe Administration. Find out about Monroe's Cabinet, the Panic of 1819, the development of a road system, and the adoption of the Missouri Compromise.
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Website
Digital History

Digital History: Conquering Space

For Students 9th - 10th
A good review of how the rise of nationalism led to western expansion, support for federal funds to build infrastructure, and the protection of new American industry.
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Primary
Other

History Magazine: The National Road

For Students 9th - 10th
This site gives a brief description of the development of the National Road but more interestedly contains an interview with some men in the late 1800's who talked about what life was like while on the Road.
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Website
Other

Infrastructure: Back in Time: The National Road

For Students 9th - 10th
Read this essay about the National Road, its construction, and development of towns along its route.
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Handout
Curated OER

National Park Service: Fort Necessity National Battlefield: The National Road

For Students 9th - 10th
A discussion of the building of the National Road, its route, and importance to the opening of the West. From the National Park Service.
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Article
Legends of America

Legends of America: The National Road: First Highway in America

For Students 9th - 10th
By the early 19th century, the wilderness of the Ohio country had given way to settlement. The road George Washington had cut through the forest many years before, called the Braddock Road, was replaced by the National Road. Cutting...
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Handout
Other

Conner Prairie: Road Through the Wilderness: The Making of the National Road

For Students 9th - 10th
Information on the building of the National Road and its historical significance.