The Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Scenic Byway is a world-famous tour of cultural, historic, recreational and scenic destinations that winds its way from Gettysburg, Penn., for 180 miles through three states and terminates at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. The Virginia portion of the route was once known as the Old Carolina Road and includes portions of VA routes 20, 231 and 53. It meets up with U.S. Route 15 at the Gordonsville traffic circle and continues on to Maryland and Pennsylvania. It was, at one time, the major route through this portion of the country for travelers on foot, horseback or wagon and is fondly known as “Where America Happened.”

The route was designated a National Scenic Byway by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood in 2009 then in September 2011 he allocated $1.3 million in grant money, designated to be used to create visual and electronic way-finding tools to assist drivers and tourists in appreciating the significance of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground. Included along the byway travelers can experience more than 10,000 sites on the National Register of Historic Places, 49 National Heritage districts, nine presidential homes, 13 National Park units, hundreds of African-American and Native-American heritage sites, 30 Historic Main Street communities, sites from the Revolutionary War, French-Indian War, War of 1812 and the largest collection of Civil War sites in the nation.

The grant money will be used in three ways. The first is to create way-finding signage along the route; secondly to create brochures. The third, and most significant, use will be the creation of a multimedia mobile application for use with Smart Phones. The app will be GPS-based, providing users with multimedia information about the heritage sites, recreational attractions and vibrant downtowns along the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Scenic Byway.

“Treasuring these culturally rich and historically invaluable heritage sites, downtown communities and working farms is one thing,” said Cate Magennis Wyatt, president of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership and former Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Experiencing them is another. Providing visitors the tools to learn about and more, access to these vital heritage sites, helps the visitor and supports local businesses. In these challenging economic times, it’s investments like these that will make a difference in the long and short term. These places already drive many of the local economies. And now, Americans and global tourists alike will be better able to find economical places to vacation and discover our rich national heritage.”

Tourism is the largest employer within the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area, accounting for more than 54,000 jobs in 15 counties and four states and each year, generating more than $3 billion in annual revenue.

“We discovered that an impressive number of U.S. travelers seek out cultural and heritage experiences,” said Helen Marano, director of the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries with the U.S. Department of Commerce. “With 78 percent of all domestic leisure travelers participating in cultural and heritage activities, their expenditures confirm that this is a strong market, and they are contributing significantly to our communities during these challenging economic times.” The 78 percent figure is probably higher among Virginian sightseers.

With all their promotional work the Department of Transportation and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership have failed to mention another important aspect of the byway’s roads. It has been my experience in every place in the country I’ve been, people who have driven this road agree it is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in America regardless of the historic aspect. The natural beauty of the trail will soon be enhanced by the fall colors on the trees, offering a perfect opportunity for a leisure drive or a relaxing alternative to the interstate if you’re heading to Northern Virginia or beyond for Thanksgiving.