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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDecember 2013 Last Look: the 100-Year-Old Lincoln Highway
December 2013 Last Look: the 100-Year-Old Lincoln Highway
The nations first truly transcontinental road, the Lincoln Highway once made its way through 14 states but has gradually slipped into obscurity.
One hundred years ago, a group of automobile enthusiasts established the nations first truly transcontinental road, the Lincoln Highway. The goal was to build a Coast-to-Coast Rock Highway from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco, and, in the words of its creator Carl Fisher, stimulate as nothing else could the building of enduring highways everywhere that will
mean much to American agriculture and American commerce. Named in honor of the nations 16th president, it was incorporated in 191350 years to the day from the beginning of the Battle of Gettysburgand was Americas fi rst national memorial to President Lincoln. Cobbled together from existing roads and along rivers and rail lines, the Lincoln Highway made its way through 14 states (the image above is from East Rochester, Ohio). But gradually it slipped into obscurity, and today it is estimated that only about 80 percent of the original route is still drivable. In celebration of its 100th year, about 275 participants drove whats left of the route in June, setting out from New York City and San Francisco, and meeting at the midpoint in Kearney, Neb.
http://www.governing.com/topics/transportation-infrastructure/gov-december-2013-last-look.html
mitty14u2
(1,015 posts)Great Images all over the internet thingy, Times past on the Old Lincoln Highway.
riqster
(13,986 posts)The Lincoln Highway still ran through my hometown, and was signposted as such. Not sure if it still is, though.
Stuart G
(38,427 posts)On the way to California. Some of the interstate had been finished, but some was indeed two lane road..
Brother Buzz
(36,434 posts)although the genuine medallion fixed to it was ripped off years ago. It has been moved, like, three times as road was widened; progress.
SheilaT
(23,156 posts)and the Interstate highways, I strongly recommend The Big Roads by Earl Swift. Really fascinating.