Location: Runs the Illinois bank of the Mississippi River to Eastern Maryland, crossing through Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia Length: 824.15 miles (1326.9 km) Time To Allow: 1 to 9 days Description/Highlights/Points of Interest The Historic National Road was the nation's first federally-funded interstate highway. It opened the nation to the west and became a corridor for the movement of goods and people, creating the great cultural diversity we treasure. Visitors experience a physical timeline, including classic inns, tollhouses, diners and motels that trace 200 years of American history. Spanning mountains, rolling farmland and picturesque villages, the Historic National Road exhibits the nation's beauty and heritage and helps define the unique American experience. Suggested Itinerary This tour takes the traveler through some of the museums located on the National Road in Illinois. The tour begins in Martinsville and goes to Collinsville (east of St. Louis). Lincoln School Museum — This quality museum is located in Martinsville, about 18 miles (29 km) west of the Indiana state line. The building itself was originally built in 1888, the school is open to groups for an interpretation of early pioneer days. Franciscan Monastery Museum — Dating back to 1858, this historic monastery has a wonderful museum that displays artifacts from early settlers, as well as the Franciscan Fathers. Visitors can view pioneer items such as toys and kitchen utensils, and religious items such as Bibles and vestments. There are also antique legal documents on display such as marriage licenses. The Monastery is located about five miles (8 km) east of Effingham. My Garage Corvette Museum — This museum, located in Effingham, about 30 miles (48.2 km) west of Martinsville, is a must for automobile lovers. On display are vintage Corvettes from the 50s and 60s, a perfect museum for the National Road. Collinsville Historical Museum — Located about 90 miles (145 km) west of Effingham in Collinsville, this museum offers the visitor a unique glance into the regions' residents all the way back to John Cook, the first settler in 1810. Many interesting artifacts are on display, including a variety of Civil War objects and miners tools. No museum tour would be complete without a visit to this high-quality museum.