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 9 of 19: Dixon IL to Toledo IA. Get ready for a journey along the historic Lincoln Highway, where every mile reveals a new story! – From Dixon to Toledo
Start each day with a full tank of fuel and a thirst for history
Get ready for a journey along the historic Lincoln Highway, where every mile reveals a new story!
This isn't just a road trip; it's a living history lesson, dotted with vibrant murals, abandoned road sections, and even an authentic Dutch windmill.
Our adventure begins in Dixon, a town nestled along the Rock River that proudly wears its history on its sleeve. While it's famously known as Ronald Reagan’s boyhood home, Dixon offers far more than presidential nostalgia. Its charming downtown, with its warm brick-lined streets and inviting local cafés, is a testament to its vibrant community. The stunning murals celebrating its place on the Lincoln Highway are a sight to behold, each brushstroke a declaration that history isn't just in books—it's alive and thriving, woven into the very fabric of daily life. These towns feel less like simple stops and more like living postcards, where the past is cherished and celebrated.
The drive to Clinton, Iowa, is a journey in itself, culminating in a breathtaking crossing over the Mississippi River. The bridge provides sweeping, panoramic views—a perfect moment for a reflective pause. But before you cross, a true marvel awaits in Fulton: the De Immigrant Windmill. This isn't just any windmill; it's a magnificent, fully functional piece of Dutch heritage, a gift from the Netherlands to celebrate the area's rich cultural roots. Imagine: this entire structure was crafted in the Netherlands, carefully disassembled, and shipped across an ocean to be painstakingly reassembled on a flood-control dike along the Mississippi. Completed in 2001, this colossal symbol of Dutch pride stands as a beacon of international friendship and incredible craftsmanship. Don't miss the chance to take a free tour and witness this stunning piece of history for yourself
In the town of DeWitt, the Lincoln Highway becomes a true living museum. Here, original route markers and interpretive signs act as your personal guide, leading you along quiet streets to one of the most significant intersections in American road history: the Lincoln Highway and Crossroads Landmark. This is the hallowed ground where two of the nation's original transnational routes—the Lincoln Highway and the legendary Highway 61, also known as the Blues Highway—meet, their convergence marked by a distinct crossroads emblem on the pavement.
Our expedition culminates in Tama, home to one of the highway's most iconic landmarks: the Lincoln Highway Bridge. Built in 1915, its concrete railings boldly and proudly spell out 'Lincoln Highway' for all to see. Built in 1915, the Lincoln Highway Bridge is the last original bridge remaining along the historic transcontinental highway, the city of Tama paid extra at the time of building and had the railings cast with the words “Lincoln Highway” forming the balustrades.
We settle this evening in Toledo a few minutes north of Tama
An historic 3 star day as we continue to move West