Everything Everywhere Daily: History, Science, Geography & More The Interstate Highway System
Jul 29, 2020
Discover how Eisenhower's experiences with the German autobahn inspired the creation of the U.S. interstate highway system. Explore the rapid growth of car ownership post-WWII and the challenges of early roadways. Delve into the strategic motivations behind the highway's expansion during the Cold War, and learn the intricacies of the numbering system that designates odd and even routes. Finally, uncover the fascinating developments in road naming and exit numbers that shape the driving experience across the United States.
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Lincoln Highway's Muddy Legacy
- The Lincoln Highway (1913) was a private, largely unpaved coast-to-coast route that often left travelers stuck in mud.
- That poor condition and the 1919 convoy highlighted the need for coordinated, high-quality roads.
Eisenhower's 1919 Convoy Experience
- Dwight Eisenhower rode in the 1919 Army transcontinental convoy which averaged about 5 miles per hour.
- That grueling trip showed him firsthand the need for better roads in the U.S.
From Autobahn Admiration To U.S. Policy
- Eisenhower's wartime admiration of the German Autobahn and prior U.S. plans converged into policy once he became president.
- This led to the 1956 Federal Aid Highway Act and the start of interstate construction in August 1956.