The following turnpikes were predecessor thoroughfares for what would eventually become U.S. Route 40.
The New Castle-Frenchtown Turnpike began in 1809 as a way of moving commerce from the Delaware River to the Chesapeake Bay. The turnpike was replaced by a railroad in 1828. The railroad runs about a mile south of the original turnpike. Pulaski Highway (U.S. Route 40) follows the path of the old turnpike between New Castle and Glasgow.
The Elk-Christiana Turnpike began in 1812 and was primarily used as a post road. Although this road was never part of U.S. Route 40, it parallels the highway about one mile to the north. Today the highway is designated as Maryland State Route 281 and New Castle County Route 26.
The Susquehanna, Charles-Town and Elkton Turnpike began in 1815 and provided a link between those cities. Today, the route is marked as State Route 7.
The Baltimore and Havre de Grace Turnpike began in in 1814 and ran from Baltimore to Edgewood, Aberdeen and Havre de Grace. Today it is designated as State Route 7.
The Baltimore and Frederick-Town Turnpike began in 1805 and connected the seaport of Baltimore with Ellicott City, Mount Airy, New Market Frederick and Boonsboro. The road was developed as a means to move goods to and from Baltimore to the expanding frontier farms. Today it is designated as State Route 144 and Alternate Route 40.
The Boonsboro Turnpike began in 1822 and established a link between Boonsboro, Funkstown and Hagerstown. Today it is designated as Alternate Route 40.
The Bank Road (also known as the Cumberland Turnpike) ran between Conococheague, Hagerstown and Cumberland. It began in 1812 and reached Cumberland in 1820. It derives its name from the banks who agreed to foot the bill for its construction. It is now designated at Alternate Route 40, Scenic Route 40 and State Route 144.
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