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

King’s Highway (built 1650 to 1735) decades before the United States became a country, which makes 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. 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, highways and modern roads cover most of the original route. There are hundreds of historic places along the 1,300 mile highway. 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.