What we know as U. S. Route 20 began as Native American trails in the early years of America. During our nation's first century, these trails were transformed with the construction of several turnpikes to handle the burgeoning westward traffic by horse and wagon. The most famous of the turnpikes connected Albany to Cherry Valley and later was extended to Cazenovia and the Syracuse area. This roadway became known as the Cherry Valley Turnpike and soon was dotted with taverns, hotels and other amenities for travelers. In the 1860s, the Cherry Valley Turnpike became the property of New York State. State and federal programs began providing funds for road building and management assistance by the turn of the century.

With the coming of the automobile, the highway had once again taken on a new life. In 1926, the road was designated as U.S. Route 20, the longest road in the country, running coast to coast a distance of 3,365 miles.

Roadside attractions and tourist cabins provided entertainment and much-needed services to a whole new kind of traveler.One can literally track the westward migration of the state and the nation in the buildings and the landscapes found along Route 20. The quiet neighborhoods and Main Streets of its historic villages showcase Federal and Greek Revival architectural styles of the Colonial/Turnpike era, a testament to the long history of the region.

Along Route 20, travelers pass New World Dutch, English, and gambrel-roof dairy barns, the numerous drive-ins and motor courts of the 1930s-1950s, all against the backdrop of the productive fields and tranquil pastures that first brought prosperity to the region.

So let's get started: take a look inside to rediscover Route 20 and the surrounding area. We have excursion routes from Route 20 to numerous points of interest throughout our seven-county region. While the excursions are set up for those driving west to east, we've included complete route numbers in each of the excursion descriptions to allow east-to-west drivers to "reverse" the trip easily. Either way, the journey will be as much fun as the destination.

Traveling along Route 20 may add a few minutes to your trip but, for a while, it probably won't seem like the world is racing by quite so fast. Welcome back to "America's Main Street".