The Lincoln Highway: Paving the Way Across America
Roads in America Before 1912
In 1912, the United States had few roads suitable for automobiles. Of the 2.5 million miles of roads, most were unpaved dirt—bumpy and dusty in dry weather, and nearly impassable when wet. The few “improved” roads were typically found near towns and cities and were considered upgraded if they had been graded. Gravel or brick surfaces were rare luxuries, while concrete and tarmac had yet to be introduced.
Even more problematic, these roads often didn’t connect settlements. Instead, they radiated outward from town centers without forming a coherent network. For long-distance travel, trains remained the most reliable
The Birth of the Lincoln Highway
The Lincoln Highway changed everything. Conceived as the first improved transcontinental automobile road in the United States, it stretched from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco, California, covering over 3,400 miles and passing through 13 states.
This ambitious project marked a turning point in American infrastructure, offering a continuous route for motorists across the country. Today, portions of the Lincoln Highway are designated as a National Scenic Byway in Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska, and as state byways in western Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. The route also continues through New York, New Jersey, West Virginia, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and California, though these segments are not officially designated as byways.
A Tribute to Abraham Lincoln
More than just a road, the Lincoln Highway was also the first national memorial to President Abraham Lincoln, established nine years before the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., in 1922. It was a symbolic and practical tribute to Lincoln’s legacy, reflecting the spirit of unity and progress.
"The Main Street Across America"
As the first automobile road to span the continent, the Lincoln Highway brought prosperity to hundreds of cities, towns, and villages along its path. Businesses flourished, tourism grew, and communities became more connected. The highway earned the affectionate nickname “The Main Street Across America”, symbolizing its central role in shaping the nation’s road culture and economy.

Day 6 of 19: Mansfield OH to Fort Wayne IN. Brick Roads, Movie Scenes, and Frontier Forts – From Mansfield to Fort Wayne
Start each day with a full tank of fuel and a sense of exploration.

Today’s journey follows the Old Lincoln Highway, mostly off the main highways, offering a more intimate view of the route’s historic charm. Leaving Mansfield, you’ll soon spot Lincoln Highway markers alongside the road—some original concrete posts from 1928, others modern metal signs that continue to guide travelers.
In the small city of Bucyrus, stop to see the Hopley Monument, erected in 1929 to honor John Edward Hopley, a local newspaper editor who passionately advocated for a coast-to-coast highway. His efforts helped shape the vision of the Lincoln Highway.
Continuing west, you’ll arrive in Upper Sandusky, where another stretch of original brick road remains uncovered by tarmac. Driving this section offers a rare opportunity to experience the road conditions faced by travelers over a century ago.
Upper Sandusky also played a role in cinematic history. Scenes from The Shawshank Redemption were filmed here, including the prison woodshop scene, now known as the Shawshank Woodshop and the opening courtroom scene, filmed at the Wyandot County Courthouse
Crossing the state line, you leave Ohio and enter Indiana, where the journey continues to Fort Wayne.
Fort Wayne was established in 1794 by the United States Army under the direction of General Anthony Wayne, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The fort was strategically designed to be defended by a small garrison of 50 to 75 men, protecting against potential Native American attacks during the Northwest Indian War.
A 3 star day of easy travel, and tracking down the historic markers and murals along the way