Kings Highway (est. in 1650): South Carolina to Massachusetts - Oldest Road / Highway In America

King’s Highway was built from 1650 to 1735 decades before the United States became a country, making King’s Highway the oldest road in America. The entire length of The King’s Highway did not become a continuous wagon road until about 1735. Incorporating the Boston Post Road (opened in 1673), the route traveled over 1,300 miles, from Boston, Massachusetts to Charles Town, South Carolina. 

Along the route, there are numerous communities today with a King Street, King’s Road, or King Avenue, all remaining from the days when it was called the King’s Highway. In 1735, it was basically a trail. By 1750 the entire road was in place. The road's 1,300 miles (2,100 km) connected Charleston, South Carolina to Boston, Massachusetts. Later, it would be extended to Savannah, Georgia. 

The King’s Highway was the most important road in colonial America and served as the major transportation route for the colonies. It played a vital role in the American Revolution as military route and was used by George Washington's army during the war. It was also used by early colonists for trade and transportation of goods.

A documentary film was created about the King’s Highway and many of the landmarks along the road. It played a critical role in the ultimate independence of the United States from England even though it was ordered to be built by Charles II of England.  

Today, many sections of the King's Highway still exist and are still in use. Some of these sections have been renamed or re-routed over time, but they still retain their historical significance. In some areas, markers or monuments have been erected to commemorate the road's importance in American history. There are hundreds of historic places along the 1,300 mile highway. Throughout the highway, there are numerous communities today with a King Street, King’s Road, or King Avenue, all remaining from the days when it was called the King’s Highway.