Automobiles started appearing in the late 1800s and with the rise of automobiles, the need for roads has risen. Back in the early 1900s, travelling by car was exciting but it is one of the big challenges as the roads were not well marked. Also there were no GPS devices or clear road signs. Drivers just had to depend on simple instructions. But everything changed in 1913 when this highway was built. This highway connects the east and west coast of the US. Along with it the need of proper maps came so that travellers could find the right destination. The Evolution of Road Maps in the Early 20th Century In Lincoln Highway Museum are shown so that people could understand how travel was done in the 1930s.
The Evolution of Road Maps in the Early 20th Century In Lincoln Highway Museum
This Lincoln Highway Experience Museum shows the road map’s journey from rough sketches to detailed maps. In the early days the maps were made by car clubs or local businesses. Later the oil companies and the Government made better maps to help people travel. The The Evolution of Road Maps in the Early 20th Century In Lincoln Highway Museum was happened because the more people were driving and tourism grows.

Lincoln Highway Road Maps – Quick Facts
Post Title | The Evolution of Road Maps in the Early 20th Century In Lincoln Highway Museum |
Country Name | United States |
Museum Name | Lincoln Highway Museum |
Located In | Latrobe, Pennalsyvania |
Evolution of Road Maps? | More Cars and the Lincoln Highway |
Time Period | 1900s to 1930s |
Early Map Makers | Car clubs, local businesses |
Later Map Makers | Oil Companies, Government |
Museum Highlights | Original Lincoln Highway Maps 1913 |
Post Category | News |
Official Web Portal | www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org |
The Road Maps Evolution in US
In the early 1900s, the maps were usually hand written and local. Drivers just followed the landmarks like rivers, trees or more. There is no fixed route number or signs. In the 1910s to 1920s, the Car clubs made better maps and showed the fuel stops, sights to see, towns and more. In the 1920s and 1930s, the oil companies started to give the free maps. Such maps show highways, tourist spots, and gas stations. In the late 1930s, the highways were given names and numbers to make travel easier. State and federal maps become more accurate. This Lincoln Highway now becomes part of State Route 30 in most places. Later, the GPS maps, states maps, interactive maps, district maps, cities maps came for travel support.
Lincoln Highway Road Map Evolution
1. Lincoln Highway Original Map 1913: This highway was opened in 1913 and went from NY to San Francisco. This first map showed one main route through 13 states. The signs were simple with red, white and blue stripes which were painted on poles with letter L.
2. Lincoln 2nd Generation Route: In 1926, the US gave highways numbers and this Lincoln Highway became US Route 30 in most places. The second generation map shows new routes added to improve the road quality. Realignments avoided rough terrain, direct routes replaced by older winding roads.
3. Lincoln 3rd Generation Route: This route overlapped with US Route 30 and includes bypasses around the busy towns.
4. Auxiliary Routes: These are alternate routes to serve more towns.
5. Detours: These are temporary paths when the main highway is blocked or under construction.
The official Lincoln Highway Map can be checked at lincolnhighwayassoc.org. At the Lincoln Highway Museum, the original 1913 map with a single route can be seen. Also, it includes points of interest along the route. Now, the interactive maps for Lincoln Highway are available which shows landmarks, nearby attractions, guest houses, food places, fuel places, ev chagrin stations and more.
FAQs: The Evolution of Road Maps in the Early 20th Century In Lincoln Highway Museum
- What’s the US Lincoln Highway?
- The US Lincoln Highway is the first highway in the US that connects the east and west coast. This was built in 1913 and connects NY (East Coast) to San Francisco (West Coast).
- What does the official Lincoln Highway Map show?
- The official Lincoln Highway Map shows the original 1913 route.
- What are the different generations of the Lincoln Highway Route?
- The Lincoln Highway Route changed over time to make travel faster and avoid rough areas. This map shows more towns.
- Does the US Lincoln Highway still exist today?
- Yes, most of the US Lincoln Highway still exists today but it is replaced by numbered highways like US Route 30.
- Can travellers travel the Lincoln Highway today?
- Yes, travellers can still follow the original path. Also, the Lincoln Highway Association plans tours to feel 1913 travel and celebrate highway success.