Before there was heavy duty paving equipment made specifically for wide, long asphalt roads such as highways, people had to resort to using other materials and equipment to get the job done.
In the 1800’s, most roads were made using cobblestones, bricks, and various other forms of stone. The majority of historical roads have been replaced and repaved with modern asphalt using advanced paving equipment.
Fortunately there are still a few outdated, or otherwise known as historical roads that still exist today.
River Street – Savannah, Georgia
River Street is one of the oldest streets in the oldest city of Savannah, Georgia. This street is extremely popular as it runs along the Savannah River and is home to many historic businesses. With curvy tracks that run all the way up the hill, River Street was a common path for trolley transportation.
If you find yourself in Savannah, you can still enjoy a trolley ride along the scenic Savannah River it parallels.
Acorn Street – Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is home to some of the oldest streets in America. The street pictured is Acorn Street on Beacon Hill, one of the last true cobblestoned streets. Although many historic streets are referred to as cobblestone, they are actually just rounded stones that give off the appearance of cobblestone.
Most true cobblestone streets were replaced because they didn’t work well with horse carriages and were constantly a pain to travel on. Since Acorn Street is mainly used for walkers and runners, it still remains intact.
South Street – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This original stone layered road located on South Street is one of the older streets that still remains in Philadelphia. Much like other historic roads, South Street meets a fairly new paved road.
With more than enough to do, South Street is a great place for food, drinks, or just to take a stroll.
Captains Row – Alexandria, Virginia
Captains Row is another true cobblestone road located in Old Town Alexandria that is said to be a rough one for tours. Tour guides encourage newcomers to wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestone makes for a rocky road.
Captains Row got its name around 1783 when captains of the ships that would dock at the nearby marina and would eventually build their homes.
Wharf Street – Portland, Maine
Much like every other historic street in America, Wharf Street, located in Portland, Maine, is home to a long list of restaurants and bars. If you enjoy a good meal and a good drink, Wharf Street is the place to be.
The street is so old; it has actually started to morph and cave in to become a small stream whenever it rains.
Time Will Tell
If you’re wondering why some of these roads have yet to be ripped up and repaved, it’s because they are located in historic districts and aren’t heavily traveled anymore. These roads are protected by the historical mandates set by each district.
Many times, when historic roads are set to be repaved, the communities surrounding it raise quite an uproar and the work never gets started.
As time goes on, it will be interesting to see how many historic roads will remain historic.