The Old National Road and Early Politics

The National Road has played an important part in the development of the United States. For one hundred and ninety-five years the road has been building a nation while introducing tourists from all over the world to the sublime of America. The National Road has gone through various stages such as conception, westward expansion, competition from railroads, automobile rebirth, and again competition from faster interstate highways. In 1806 a group of prominent statesman set out to influence congress about the need for better roads. Statesmen such as Henry Clay observed this importance through his travels from Kentucky to Washington D.C. while serving in the House of Representatives and later in the Senate. Other leading citizens such as Moses and Lydia Shepherd who resided just a few miles outside of Wheeling, WV recognized the importance of a major road. Although everyone had different motivations for building the road, almost everyone was in favor of having better transportation to Washington D.C. whether it was for political reasons, to shop, visit the theatre, or to mingle among other distinguished citizens and businessmen. During the early nineteenth century it was believed that the federal government should stay out of building roads, but men such as George Washington, who knew the Appalachian region well, and Thomas Jefferson considered the mercantile aspects that a road could bring. If the United States were to expand, efficient transportation would be needed. After much deliberation Jefferson authorized the building of the road on March 29, 1806. Actual construction of the road began in 1811 the road and reached Wheeling on August 1, 1818. Throughout the construction of the road there were numerous debates about where the route should be placed. For example, Pittsburgh lobbied for the road to run through the city. One of the most controversial decisions regarding the building of the road and was the route National Road follows through the section of Elm Grove, just outside of Wheeling, WV. Moses and Lydia Shepherd had constructed a stone mansion there in 1789. On this property they managed a large plantation, owned a mill, and general store. Over all, the Shepherd’s were considered to be very influential because of their substantial wealth and for the mansion they had constructed which was by far the most extravagant house in the tri-state area. Senator Henry Clay was a frequent guest and friend of the Shepherds. The Shepherd’s wealth and power also landed Moses the job of building many of the bridges that were needed to maneuver around the numerous creeks and streams that crisscross the region. Many of the men working on the construction of the road were Irish immigrants and people that lived along the road. This was long before the age of eminent domain and many of the farmers that resided along the chosen route for the road were delighted to see it travel through their farms. The road was away to bring prosperity. It also meant they could be employed by contractors such as Moses by clearing land, cutting and hauling stone, or building bridges. Economically the road was beneficial because it provided farmers with more income and the surrounding communities with vital links to larger cities. While passing through Elm Grove the road was originally designed to run north of Big Wheeling Creek. Although this section of land did not have the best bed for a road it was the cheapest and the construction of only one bridge was needed. Because the Shepherd’s were in control of building this section of road, Lydia convinced her husband to alter the road so it would run directly in front of their house, make a sharp right at their front gate, and then proceed to Wheeling. The Shepherd’s consulted their good friend Henry Clay about the matter and he had no objections because the Shepherd’s used the argument that the roadbed would be much better on the south side of Big Wheeling Creek. Although this is true the motivation behind the Shepherd’s altering the plan was clearly greed.

The road was supposed to go straight, instead it takes a sharp left onto this S Bridge built by Moses Shepherd.

This bridge was also built by Moses. While traveling west on National Road travelers made a sharp right to head towards Wheeling, and when they looked left they saw the Shepherds mansion, just as they had planned. Today it’s still the same. This bridge is still used today; except they have surfaced concrete over much of the stone work.

This greed was noticeable when looking at what they did to the Feay family. The Feay’s, cousins of Moses, had built a stone tavern somewhere north of Peters Run Road, where the road was originally supposed to be routed. When many people along the designated route heard the National Road was coming, some made investments in building taverns because they knew of the income it could bring. When Moses and Lydia considered the hardships this would cause the Feay’s they still routed the road away from their tavern. To counter Feay’s tavern the Shepherd’s built one of their own which was run by Mrs. Gooding. Apparently Moses did feel guilty about what he had done because he hired many of the Feay’s as workers on the bridges, but this did not stop the rumors that were spread throughout Wheeling about what the Shepherd’s had done. When the road was finally completed the government owed Moses approximately one hundred and fifty thousand dollars for his construction for that section of road. Sixty thousand dollars was extra cost that was needed for the two bridges where the road crossed the creek which the government refused to pay. This money was not heavily sought from Moses, he saw what he had done as immoral, and therefore he did not mind paying for these expenses himself. Lydia did not feel this way and always tried to persuade government officials to re-open the payment she claimed they rightfully deserved. The litigious allegations towards the Shepherd’s did not alter their influence in Washington but left many of the residents in Wheeling suspicious of the Shepherd’s fraudulent moving of the road for their own prosperity.

A monument that was erected for Henry Clay. Sadly, years ago it crumbled and was torn down. It used to stand near the stone bridge near the Shepherds home. Of course Lydia was responsible for the monument. She was always trying to keep up appearances. Later on there will be a blog dedicated to the Shepherds.