Mr. Bob, I think the Valley Turnpike (now US 11/I-81) was not the same as the Rockingham Turnpike (now US 33). The original, public records of these turnpikes are maintained by the Library of Virginia. These are very interesting records, which include surveys, info on construction, pay stubs for workers, maps, contracts, tolls, traffic counts (most "travellers" were animals) etc. Wilmer L. Kerns -----Original Message----- From: MRBOB625@aol.com [mailto:MRBOB625@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2000 8:28 AM To: VAROCKIN-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [VAROCKIN] Rockingham Turnpike Thanks to all who answered my inquiry about the toll gates on the old Rockingham Turnpike. I though someone might be interested in the answers. I received information about certain toll gates but as it turns out there may been many gates. I received this from Linda: In 1834, the Valley Turnpike Company was incorporated;  this included the road from Staunton to Winchester.  Stock was sold at $25 per share.  The road was to be maintained by charging a toll of one cent per mile afor pleasure vehicles and prorated for stock and wagons.  Tollgates were spaced every five miles.  A pole was placed across the road about three feet from the ground.  A tall wooded box filled with rocks was placed at one end for this pole to rest on.  A forked post was implanted in the ground with the pole bolted to it.  A rope was tied to the small end of the pole, so the gate keeper could pull it down and fasten it to a hasp in a post at the opposite end.  The definition for this device is a "turnpike";  thus the road received the same name.  Gatekeepers were paid $10 per month and house rent-free.................(pp.18-19, The Heartland, by Nancy B. Hess). Thanks, Robert