needful buildingsHistorian ROGER PICKENPAUGH will be discussing the development of the National Road.  Such an idea was considered unconstitutional so how was it built; who were the early supporters; and what was the necessity of building it?  We will examine some of the early technical problems that needed to be overcome such as bridges and crossing mountains.  We will get into the evolution of transportation, inn and hostelries.  We will touch on Roger's study of the catastrophic 1936 Ohio River flood.  What precipitated the flood and what was its legacy?  We will also delve into the exciting promise and disasterous conclusion of the 1901 Pan-Am Expo.  Roger is a very talented author who has a knack for recreating these historical events.  If there is time, we may get into Roger's Civil War research.

Casselman Bridge

Wheeling Suspension Bridge

National Road: Mile Markers

Pan-American Exposition