Internal Improvements
The 19th century, the antebellum period, had a revolution in transportation. It helped facilitate western settlements and efficient trade. These internal improvements were roads, canals, turnpikes, bridges, steamboats, and railroads. By connecting different regions, these improvements would create a more unified nation. The financing of roadways became one of the earliest issues of conflict between the federal and state governments. In most cases the federal government stepped in when a planned road crossed state lines. Such was the case of the National Road started in Virginia in 1808. When it was completed, this road, built through the Cumberland Gap in the Appalachian Mountains, eventually reached as far west as Illinois. By 1830 the internal
improvements were widespread and the states and the federal government planned new transportation projects.
improvements were widespread and the states and the federal government planned new transportation projects.