King's Highway (historic road section)
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The King's Highway was a significant colonial road system established between 1650 and 1735, connecting Charleston, South Carolina, to Boston, Massachusetts. Commissioned by King Charles II of England, the road served as a vital mail and travel route, facilitating communication and commerce in the American colonies. It evolved from Native American trails and was later improved for horse-drawn wagons and stagecoaches. The route included key cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, with milestones installed under the direction of Benjamin Franklin to measure distances for mail delivery. Over time, portions of the King's Highway became part of modern U.S. Routes 1, 13, 17, and 20. The road's historical significance lies in its role as one of the earliest major highways in the United States, shaping colonial infrastructure and postal services.
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Tip: Visitors interested in exploring the historic King's Highway should consider traveling during spring or fall for mild weather and less congestion. While the original road is now segmented and incorporated into modern highways, many towns along the route offer historical markers and preserved milestones. Planning a route ahead and visiting local historical societies or museums can enrich the experience. No specific ticketing is required to explore the road sections, but guided tours or local information centers may provide additional insights.
Interesting facts
- •The King's Highway was one of the earliest organized mail routes in colonial America.
- •Benjamin Franklin invented an odometer to measure distances along the King's Highway for accurate mail charges.
- •Many segments of the original King's Highway are still named as such and follow modern U.S. Routes 1, 13, 17, and 20.
- •Milestones placed along the route in the 18th century still exist in some locations, marking distances from Boston.
History
The King's Highway was laid out from 1650 to 1735 by order of King Charles II to connect the American colonies from Charleston to Boston.
Initially following Native American trails, it was formalized as a postal route in 1673 with the Upper Post Road segment.
Benjamin Franklin played a key role in standardizing the route and installing milestones in 1761 to improve mail service efficiency.
Over the centuries, the road was upgraded by turnpike companies and eventually integrated into modern U.S.
highways, preserving its historical pathway.
Place Guide
Milestones along the King's Highway1761
Historic stone milestones were placed along the route under Benjamin Franklin's direction to mark distances for postal charges. Some of these remain visible today, offering tangible links to colonial postal history.
Upper Post Road Segment1673
This northern section of the King's Highway, laid out in 1673, connected New York City to Boston and evolved into the Boston Post Road, a critical communication artery in colonial New England.
Contact
Phone: (06) 430 0230
