The Pioneering Routes: First Highway Spanning the US Coast to Coast

The journey across the United States has been revolutionized countless times, but what was the first road to span the coast to coast without interruption? Two notable routes paved the way before the modern interstate highways: the National Old Trails Highway and the Lincoln Highway.

From the National Old Trails Highway to the Lincoln Highway

The National Old Trails Highway was the pioneering route that stretched from New York City, New York, to San Francisco, California, in the early 20th century. Much of this old route aligns with the modern Interstate Highway 80, though it took a more scenic route through several historical cities.

This historic route began in New York City, passed through Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Wheeling, West Virginia, Columbus, Indianapolis, Springfield, Illinois, St. Louis, Kansas City, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and then continued to the California cities of Needles, Barstow, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles before finally reaching San Francisco. A secondary route connected Albuquerque to El Paso, Texas, and then westward through Phoenix and San Diego before rejoining the main route in Los Angeles.

From Santa Fe to Santa Monica, the highway was incorporated into the Historic US Route 66, which later became a famous route connecting Chicago to Los Angeles.

The Birth of the Lincoln Highway

Soon after the National Old Trails Highway became a recognizable route, the Lincoln Highway emerged. This historic road extended from Lincoln Park in San Francisco, California, to Times Square in New York City, New York. The Lincoln Highway was conceived in 1911, dedicated and named in 1913, and incorporated several local routes into its design.

The Evolution to US Numbered Highways

In the 1920s and beyond, the US Numbered Highways slowly began to overtake these pioneering routes. These standardized highways were designed to connect major cities and regions efficiently, making travel easier and more accessible. By the 1930s, the Interstate Highway System had begun to take shape, eventually replacing many of the earlier routes with modern, faster, and more efficient highways.

The transition from these early coastal-to-coast routes to the modern interstate highways marked a significant milestone in the development of America's transportation infrastructure, ultimately shaping the country's economic and cultural landscape.

Conclusion

The journey across the United States has been transformed over the decades, with the National Old Trails Highway and the Lincoln Highway playing crucial roles in its early development. These routes laid the groundwork for the modern interstate highway system, ensuring that the United States remains connected and accessible.