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 2 of 19: Philadelphia PA to Gettysburg PA. Rocky, Route 30, and the Road to Gettysburg
Start each day with a full tank of fuel.
Philadelphia is home to four major professional sports teams—the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, and 76ers—but perhaps no figure is more iconic than the fictional boxer Rocky Balboa. The day begins with a tribute to this beloved character.
The Rocky Steps, a set of 72 stone steps leading to the east entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, gained worldwide fame from the 1976 film Rocky. Every day, visitors recreate the famous scene by running to the top and celebrating their own victory. Just around the corner stands the Rocky Statue, a popular photo spot for fans and tourists alike.
Leaving Philadelphia, the journey continues westward along Route 30. When the Lincoln Highway was first conceived in 1913, there were no numbered roads. It wasn’t until the United States Numbered Highways system was introduced in 1926 that named highways like the Lincoln Highway were integrated into the modern route system. Today, much of the original Lincoln Highway aligns with Route 30, which will serve as the primary path for most of this 19-day journey.
In its early years, the Lincoln Highway lacked maps and road signs. Instead, motorists relied on red, white, and blue painted markers on utility poles. However, within three years, over 1,500 posts and 2,100 signs had to be replaced—many had been damaged in accidents or used for target practice.
To create a more lasting legacy, the Lincoln Highway Association partnered with the Boy Scouts of America in 1928 to install 3,000 concrete markers. Each stood four feet tall, weighed 300 pounds, and featured a bronze medallion inscribed with:
“This Highway Dedicated to Abraham Lincoln.”
While many of these markers were lost or damaged during road expansions, modern metal signs now help preserve the memory of the original route.
Along the way, travelers will also encounter murals commissioned to celebrate the highway’s history, heritage, and its impact on American travel.
The day concludes in Gettysburg, the site of one of the most significant battles of the American Civil War. Fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg marked a turning point in the conflict. The Gettysburg National Cemetery serves as the final resting place for thousands of Union soldiers who gave their lives during the war.
It was here, on November 19, 1863, that President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, a speech that continues to resonate through American history. In addition to the Civil War graves, the cemetery also holds the remains of American soldiers and their dependents from conflicts ranging from the Civil War to Vietnam.

The movie magic to the history of Gettysburg and the markers and murals all add up to a 4 star day