 The freeway is named for John Hanson, the first President of the Continental Congress in 1781.Short portions of US 301 are included among several Maryland Scenic Byways.US 301 is part of the Religious Freedom Byway, from Maryland Route 257 (MD 257) to MD 234 near Newburg and from Popes Creek Road at Faulkner to Chapel Point Road at Bel Alton in southern Charles County.