In the first decade of the 20th century, almost all the “improved roads” (those leveled, graveled, and with bridges) were toll roads.
These roads were vital to commerce and transportation, but were constructed by private investors who established tolls – usually with a menu of fares reflecting the number of axles, the weight of goods, etc.
In older communities, especially on the east coast, all the “pikes” that radiate from towns and cities once featured pike barriers at regular intervals.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toll_roads_in_the_United_States
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The face of the postcard displays a toll gate in Hudson, NY.
Hudson is a small city on the east bank of the Hudson River – about 125 miles north of New York City.
The first European settlers in this area were Dutch traders, but the small community grew rapidly as many Quakers from Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts emigrated here in the years immediately following the American Revolution.
By 1790, the city had five piers and rapidly became an important port for Hudson River commerce.
Today, many tourists are attracted to Hudson by the quality of local historic architecture and a profusion of boutiques, artisanal foods, and antique shops.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson,_New_York
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In this postcard scene, the roadway seems to be maintained in very good condition; it may have been paved.
It is night, and a solitary figure drives his horse and wagon past the toll master’s house.
Beside the road is a narrow walkway, partially overgrown with grass and weeds.
I assumed that the toll-road followed the Hudson River and to other river towns to the south, such as Red Hook, Rhinebeck, and Hyde Park.
In fact, there were several toll roads at Hudson – one to Albany, and a toll road running eastward from Hudson to Massachusetts.
A toll gate on the latter toll road has been preserved.
https://www.friendsofeastgate.org/history
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The reverse of the postcard is badly damaged – apparently by having been pasted into a scrapbook.
Although it was once mailed, seemingly from a location in New York State, the postcard does not have a legible address.
Additionally, the message is erased except for a few words.
It is always a disappointment to lose the personal story connected to an interesting postcard.
Nevertheless, the preserved scene of this once-common feature of 19th century transportation is valuable to us.
