How the Road Started
Who was there first?
The Boston Post Road was initially a network of Native American trails. The Native Americans first established trails in this area that were frequently used. One of the trails was called the Pequot Path. Some of these important native trails were as narrow as two feet. The Pequot Path was used long before the Europeans arrived. Parts of these trails later became parts of the road. The Pequot people used the trails for travel, trade, and hunting. We have little information about the people besides that they lived in what is now Connecticut and Rhode Island, because the Pequot people were largely destroyed during the Pequot War, leaving little information about their customs and practices.
Three parts of the road
The Boston Post Road is divided into three sections: the Upper Post Road, the Middle Post Road, and the Lower Post Road. The Upper Post Road is the oldest, initially used by the Pequot people before becoming part of the road. It is also the most traveled due to its age. The Middle Post Road is the newest and shortest section. The Lower Post Road is the most well-known of the routes because it is the most direct of the three and holds significant historical importance, being close to what is now Rhode Island and Massachusetts, which makes it ideal for trade and travel.
Fun facts
Did you know that traveling from New York to Boston on the Boston Post Road during colonial times would take approximately a month? This historic route was established in 1673 by Royal Governor Francis Lovelace and John Winthrop Jr. of Connecticut, under the orders of King Charles II. Interestingly, the Boston Post Road is also known as the King's Best Highway.