National Road, heading west

Connersville Fayette Observer, Nov. 3, 1827

reprinting an article that appeared in a Terre Haute paper two weeks earlier

I am much pleased to have it in my power to state that Mr. Knight has again arrived at our town with his party, in good health and fine spirits.

The permanent location of the National road is completed through our town -- it centers Wabash Street at its Eastern extremity and leave it at is Western termination, crossing the Wabash at Mr. Farrington's Ferry.

The width of the Wabash at this point at low water mark is something more than 23 rods -- at high water, provably 31 rods.

The distance from Indianapolis to the Court Hose in this village is 70 1/4 miles -- to the Wabash River, at low water, 70 1/2 miles wanting 3 chains.

The route, Mr. Knight informs me from this point to Indianapolis, possesses favorable advantages for a good road.

This, I am of the opinion, is far better than to have descended the Valley of White River to Vincennes and setting local interest aside, I think the citizens of that vicinity will accord me with an opinion. Mr. Knight and his party will probably in the present week complete the location as far as the line dividing this from the state of Illinois, when their labors, I am informed, are to cease for the present season.

BACKGROUND:

In 1825, an amendment to the 1820 National Road Act, was offered by Ind. Rep. Jonathan Jennings (first governor of Indiana), stating that the road should be changed to connect the capitols of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. The new survey of the National Road was completed in 1827, which was where Knight was when the Terre Haute article was published.  

The survey showed that the road was to run due west from the Ohio line to Indianapolis, passing through the towns of Richmond and Centerville in Wayne County. 

Who was Jonathan Knight?

Knight had served as a land surveyor and civil engineer, before entering the Pennsylvania state legislature and the United States Congress. Knight was also the Commissioner on the National Pike in the 1820s. Knightstown, Indiana, was named in his honor.