America’s first coast-to-coast route, the Lincoln Highway, changed over the years, first as a named route and then as part of the numbered highway system. It began as a Lincoln Highway Association idea and rose to prominence as a named path before switching to a numbered system, mostly US Route 30, and then being replaced by Interstate 80. The resurrected Lincoln Highway Association worked to preserve and promote the state’s history, so even if the Lincoln Highway as a named route essentially vanished, its legacy persisted. The development of highways preceding the Dwight D. Additionally, the Lincoln Highway had a major influence on the Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defence Highways. The twin goals of the LHA serve as an example of this position. Among the goals was the construction of a “Coast-to-Coast Rock Highway” that would link Times Square in New York City with Lincoln Park in San Francisco. The purpose of the article is to present the details of Lincoln Highway Through the Decades: A Timeline.
Lincoln Highway Through the Decades
Over time, the Lincoln Highway, America’s first coast-to-coast route, saw two changes: it was initially designated as a route and then became a part of the numbered highway system. First conceived by the Lincoln Highway Association, it gained popularity as a named path before transitioning to a numbered system, primarily US Route 30, and finally being supplanted by Interstate 80. Despite the demise of the Lincoln Highway as a designated road, its legacy persisted because the resurrected Lincoln Highway Association worked to preserve and advance the state’s history. The Lincoln Highway also had a major influence on the construction of roadways that came before the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defence highways. This perspective is exemplified by the LHA’s two objectives.
What is the Origin of the Lincoln Highway?
The following factors led to the creation of the Lincoln Highway:
1. The Vision of Carl Fisher (1912): Fisher, an Indiana businessman, had the notion for a coast-to-coast highway to encourage decent roads and economic development.
2. Partnership with Henry Joy (1912): Fisher formed a partnership with Packard Motor Car Company president and industrialist Henry Joy.
3. Fisher and Joy founded the Lincoln Highway Association in 1913 to develop and advance the highway.
4. Abraham Lincoln Dedication: President Abraham Lincoln’s name, which represents unity and interdependence across the country, is etched on the road.
5. Route Design (1913–1927): The team designed and constructed the 3,389-mile route that went through 13 states.
Timeline of the Lincoln Highway
From the Lincoln Highway’s inception until its eventual replacement with contemporary roadways, this timeline outlines the significant turning points in its history.
- The Old Trails Era (1900-1910):
During this time, the concept of distinctive route markers gained popularity, and the first ideas for a transcontinental highway system were discussed and proposed.
- The Highway Era (1910-1935):
During this time, the Lincoln Highway was actually built and became well-known as a designated road. The route was being developed and promoted at the time by the Lincoln Highway Association. It was eventually cut to 3,142 kilometres from its original 3,389 kilometres.
- The Interstate Highway and War Era (1956-1995):
As the Interstate system and numbered routes gained popularity during this time, the Lincoln Highway’s status as a named route declined. Eventually, Interstate 80 and U.S. Route 30 took the place of the Lincoln Highway.
- The Industrial-Technological Era (1980s-Present):
Even though the Lincoln Highway as a designated route basically disappeared, the revived Lincoln Highway Association sought to protect and promote the highway’s heritage.
- Present day: Many parts of the Lincoln Highway have been conserved, repaired, and marked as historic by historic markers, museums, and signage.
Key Milestones: The Lincoln Highway
- 1913 saw the official founding of the Lincoln Highway Association and the dedication of the first segment, which ran from Newark to Jersey City.
- 1926 saw the creation of the United States Numbered Highway System and the major integration of the Lincoln Highway into U.S. Route 30.
- 1950s: The Lincoln Highway’s prominence was further eclipsed by the creation of the Interstate Highway System.
- 1992 saw the reactivation of the Lincoln Highway Association to promote the history and legacy of the route.
FAQs related to Lincoln Highway Through the Decades
- How long was the Lincoln Highway?
- The Lincoln Highway is approximately 3,389 miles.
- What replaced the Lincoln Highway?
- US Route 30 and Interstate 80 were replaced by the Lincoln Highway.
- What was the significance of the Lincoln Highway?
- It promoted tourism, economic growth, and road trip culture.