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 7 of 19: Fort Wayne IN to Matteson IL. Brick Roads, Gangster Lore, and National Treasures – From Fort Wayne to Illinois
Start each day with a full tank of fuel and a sense of adventure.
Leaving historic Fort Wayne behind, the journey heads northwest along the original 1913 Lincoln Highway route. While the modern alignment of Route 30 shortens the path slightly, today’s route offers a chance to travel more of the original highway, including a short stretch of brick road near Ligonier, part of Old U.S. 33.
Alongside the highway, remnants of the early service industry still stand. In Elkhart County, you’ll find original 1920s tourist cabins, a reminder of the roadside accommodations that once served Lincoln Highway travelers.
In Goshen, history takes a quieter form. A small, unassuming police booth, no larger than an old-fashioned photo booth, provided reassurance to residents during the Great Depression. Goshen officials feared their town’s location—between New York and Chicago and home to two downtown banks—made it a target for gangsters. John Dillinger and his gang had already been active in the area.
The journey continues to South Bend, home of the Studebaker National Museum. Founded in 1852, Studebaker began as a coach-building company and later became a major automobile manufacturer.
The museum, opened in 2005, features seven objects designated as National Treasures, including:
The carriage Abraham Lincoln rode to Ford’s Theatre the night of his assassination
A carriage used by the Marquis de Lafayette during his 1824 farewell tour of the United States
Adult admission $11 (Nov 2025)
Along the roadside, you’ll continue to see Lincoln Highway markers and a few memorials, guiding you along the historic route.
The day ends in Illinois, where the Lincoln Highway is officially designated as a scenic byway, offering more opportunities to explore its legacy in the days ahead.
Another historical 3 star day on the Lincoln Highway