Have you ever wondered what inspired the first roads to be built? The oldest roadway in Missouri came into being thanks to a mine and it's named based on a landmark travelers needed to find their way over 280 years ago.

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To answer the question "what is the oldest road in Missouri", the answer is Three Notch Road. It was constructed shortly after St. Genevieve became a town to connect the nearby lead mines.

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The Howder Family documented some interesting history about how this Missouri road first came into being. They say it dates back to 1735 when the French occupied this land. It says they discovered lead in the Mine La Motte in 1717 and needed a way to transport their new find.

Let's remember the obvious fact that this was long before anyone had a GPS which meant landmarks meant everything. There was a prominent tree along this route that had 3 notches in it...hence, the name.

Among the relics along this winding Missouri road is an old burnt mill. That location brings with it some crazy stories of paranormal experiences near there.

If you drive down Three Notches Road now, you'll see this unassuming roadside park which has a marker mentioning this is the oldest road in Missouri.

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Truth is Three Notches Road isn't traveled that much anymore as there are more efficient ways to travel through this part of Missouri. However, if you go there, you'll be traveling one of the oldest routes in America...all thanks to an old lead mine.

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