Clipmark

The National Road Rolling Cruise-in passes through Jacksontown on U.S. 40 Saturday morning on its way to the Kroger in Hebron.

Increase in heritage tourism has led to interest in National Road

In his capacity as a Licking County commissioner, Doug Smith has to travel many roads.

But oftentimes he takes the road less traveled and you can find him on U.S. 40, or what is known as the National Road.

He organized and led the rolling cruise of the road during the weekend that traveled from Gratiot to Etna.

"I am one of those weird people that seem to take the road less traveled, literally and metaphorically," Smith said. "I like the old paths, old ways and old vehicles."

Smith has become so familiar with the National Road, its heritage and history that he co-authored the book, "The Historic National Road in Ohio: The Road That Helped Build America" with Glenn Harper, who is the preservation services manager of the Ohio Historic Preservation Office.