Final answer:
America's first roads followed old Indian trails that had been widened and often ran alongside existing waterways before the War of 1812. The federally funded Cumberland Road, initiated in 1811, was a major road that supported westward expansion. With growing transport demands, toll roads and an extensive system of railroads and canals emerged.
Step-by-step explanation:
America's first roads were constructed in various ways, often influenced by geographical and practical considerations. Before the War of 1812, early American roads were usually old Indian trails that had been widened. These routes were typically located along existing waterways, which were used to navigate and transport goods efficiently due to the difficulty and cost of land transport.
The first major federally funded highway was the Cumberland Road, which started construction in 1811, facilitating westward movement and connecting areas from Maryland to Illinois. As transportation needs grew, there was a concerted effort to build roads and canals for the movement of goods and people. Over time, turnpike companies constructed toll roads, particularly in New York State, and eventually, the country saw the rise of a more extensive transportation system including railroads and canals alongside roads.