Sign Noting Toll Rates for the Detroit and Birmingham Plank Road, 1844-1850
Add to SetSummary
In the mid-19th century, road builders experimented with "plank roads" consisting of wood planks laid across longitudinal wood beams. Wood provided a smoother surface than dirt or gravel -- especially in wet weather -- but deteriorated quickly. Maintenance costs, financed by user tolls, were prohibitively expensive and most plank roads were gradually resurfaced with gravel.
In the mid-19th century, road builders experimented with "plank roads" consisting of wood planks laid across longitudinal wood beams. Wood provided a smoother surface than dirt or gravel -- especially in wet weather -- but deteriorated quickly. Maintenance costs, financed by user tolls, were prohibitively expensive and most plank roads were gradually resurfaced with gravel.
Artifact
Sign (Notice)
Date Made
1844-1850
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
00.1756.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paint (Coating)
Wood (Plant material)
Color
Black (Color)
White (Color)
Inscriptions
Painted on face of sign: LEGAL RATE OF / Tolls Of Detroit And / Birmingham Plank Road / For Evry vehicle or carriage / Drawn by two animals }2 / Do By more than two for / Every additional animal 3/4 ct /.../
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