Transportation of Food: Highways and Trucks

During the colonial period, American villages and towns were connected by a series of trails and unimproved roads, many of which were often impassable, especially during winter. The roads were used not only by travelers but also by farmers, who carted their agricultural goods on wagons into towns. Where possible, farmers shipped their bulky commodities and agricultural goods via riverboats and coastal ships.

Travelers using colonial roads needed food, beverages, and places to stay. Thus, taverns were constructed along roads—and ideally on crossroads—between towns to serve travelers. Communities often grew up around these taverns, and some colonial legislatures encouraged the construction of these establishments through liberal licensing in locations where they hoped communities would develop.