Lincoln Highway page 1

 Lincoln Highway page 1 by ric gustafson

In 1913, Nebraska would be at the center of the United States premier roadway. This roadway was the Lincoln Highway. When it was built, it stretched for 3,400 miles. In 1913, railroads were the primary source of cross country transportation. 

On July 1 1913, manufacturer Carl G Fisher gathered a group of car industry leaders to form the Lincoln Highway Association. Their goal was to build a highway that linked the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. These men pledged ten million dollars. In Nebraska, the new highway would parallel the Union Pacific Railroad. This route would follow the Platte River and sections of the Pony Express route.

By 1924, almost 500 miles stretched across Nebraska. Most of the new road was gravel. A small part was graded earth. The rest of it was brick, concrete or asphalt.

In 1974, Nebraska was the first state to complete it's segment of I 80. Fisher's dream led to Eisenhower's system of Interstate and Defense Highways.

resource help: NebraskaByway.org

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric