The Road That Built America
In 1806, Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury under Thomas Jefferson, proposed the Historic National Road. Authorized by Congress, it became America's first federally funded highway, paving the way for westward expansion and connecting the nation like never before.
ABOUT US
The National Road Interpretive Center (NRIC) of Vandalia, Illinois is an all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the history, tradition, and legend of the National Road.
We encourage visitors to experience the recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities associated with Vandalia, Illinois and all the towns and cities connected by the Nation’s first publicly-funded intercontinental highway.
Our Mission
The goals of the NRIC of Vandalia include:
Offering an immersive educational experience to create connections to history
Increasing the national road's perceive value as a regional asset
Creating deeper connections to the heritage of our region
Enhancing tourism and economic development to the region
Developing and enhancing the Vandalia portion of the Historic National Road
Preserving the stories and artifacts
Hours of Operation