The westward growth of the new nation saw the construction of the National or Cumberland Road. It was authorized by Thomas Jefferson and its construction was started in 1811 at Cumberland, Maryland. By 1818 the road had reached Wheeling, West Virginia, and from there it continued to Vandalia, Illinois. By 1850 it had been completed. The Road was built on a stone foundation with a gravel topping. Even today, parts are still being used for travel. It is now known as Route 40.
 The city of Vandalia was laid out in 1819 according to an act of Congress that was approved in March of that year. This act called for the removal of the seat of government from Kaskaskia to the newly founded Vandalia.

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