List of turnpikes in Virginia and West Virginia facts for kids

Imagine a time before smooth, free highways! In the 1800s, traveling was tough. Roads were often muddy and bumpy. To make things better, people built 'turnpikes.' These were special roads where you paid a small fee, called a 'toll,' to use them. This money helped pay for building and fixing the roads. Most of these old turnpikes in Virginia and West Virginia are now free public roads. Some have even been abandoned and returned to nature.

Old Roads: Virginia and West Virginia Turnpikes

What Were Turnpikes?

Turnpikes were like early versions of today's toll roads. They were built and managed by special groups, often called 'turnpike trusts' or private companies. These groups got permission from the government to build a road. In return, they could charge people a fee to use it. This fee was called a 'toll.'

Why Pay a Toll?

The money from tolls helped pay for building the road. It also covered the costs of keeping it in good shape. Before turnpikes, many roads were just dirt paths. They became very muddy when it rained. Turnpikes were often better built, sometimes with gravel or even planks of wood. This made travel faster and easier.

How Turnpikes Worked

When you wanted to use a turnpike, you would come to a gate. This gate was often a simple pole or 'pike' that turned to let you pass after you paid. That's where the name 'turnpike' comes from!

Building the Roads

Building these roads was a huge job. Workers used shovels, picks, and horses to clear land. They leveled the ground and added materials like crushed stone or gravel. Sometimes, they even used wooden planks to create a smoother surface. These 'plank roads' were popular for a while.

Paying the Toll

Tolls were usually small amounts of money. The amount depended on what you were traveling with. A person walking might pay nothing or a very small fee. Someone with a horse and buggy would pay more. A wagon full of goods would pay the most. The money collected was used to maintain the road. This included fixing potholes, clearing debris, and making sure the road was safe.

Famous Turnpikes

Many turnpikes were built across Virginia and West Virginia. They helped connect towns and cities. Here are a few examples:

• James River and Kanawha Turnpike: This was a very important road. It stretched from Buchanan, Virginia, all the way to Charleston, West Virginia. It helped connect the eastern parts of Virginia with the Ohio River Valley. Today, parts of it are U.S. Route 60.
• Northwestern Turnpike: This road connected Winchester, Virginia, to Parkersburg, West Virginia. It was a major route for people moving west. Today, much of it is U.S. Route 50.
• Southwestern Turnpike: This turnpike ran from Buchanan, Virginia, down to Bristol, Virginia. It was key for travel in the southwestern part of Virginia. Today, it's mostly U.S. Route 11.
• Little River Turnpike: This shorter turnpike connected Alexandria, Virginia, to Aldie, Virginia. It was important for local trade and travel near the capital.

Turnpikes Today

Most of these historic turnpikes are no longer private toll roads. Over time, state governments took them over. They became part of the public road system. This meant people could use them for free.

What Happened to Them?

Many old turnpike routes are still used today. They form the basis of modern highways like U.S. Routes 11, 50, 60, and 250. Sometimes, you can still see old sections of these roads. They might be quiet country lanes or even abandoned paths in the woods. These old roads remind us of how people traveled long ago. They show how important it was to connect communities across the mountains and valleys.