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 8 of 19: Matteson IL to Dixon IL. Murals, Movie Legends, and Historic Roadways – From Joliet to Dixon
Start each day with a full tank of fuel and a sense of curiosity.
Today’s journey continues westward, with more Lincoln Highway murals lining the route. The first major stop is Joliet, home to the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Just off the main highway, this site holds pop culture significance:
It’s where The Blues Brothers character “Joliet” Jake Blues was incarcerated and released at the beginning of the film.
The prison also served as the fictional Fox River State Penitentiary in the TV series Prison Break, where Michael Scofield orchestrated his brother’s escape.
The museum offers several themed tours, including ones focused on Prison Break filming locations and after-dark tours that explore the prison’s darker history. Current pricing, Self Guided tours are $22. Guided specialty tours are $40-$75 (Nov 2025)
In Malta, Illinois, stop at the site of the historic “seedling mile” In October 1914, a one-mile section of dirt and gravel road was paved with ten feet of concrete, marking one of the first experiments in modern road surfacing. A historical marker commemorates this milestone in highway development.
Next, head to Franklin Grove, home to the Lincoln Highway Association’s national headquarters. The Lincoln Highway Interpretive Center is housed in the H. I. Lincoln Building, originally built in 1860 by H. I. Lincoln, a cousin of Abraham Lincoln. Over the years, the building served as a dry goods store, hospital, post office, newspaper office, and storage facility before being renovated in the 1990s to become the Association’s headquarters.
As you approach Dixon, IL, you’ll pass under the town’s iconic Memorial Arch. The original arch was built in 1919 to honor returning war heroes. Initially constructed from beaver board and wood, it became a symbol of Dixon’s connection to the Lincoln Highway.
In 1949, a new wooden arch replaced the original.
In 1966, it was rebuilt again as Galena Avenue was widened.
The current fiberglass arch, installed in 1985, still features the original lettering from its predecessors.
Another historical day showing the origins of the first paved roads right up to modern televison shows. Due to the mix of activities I have to class this as a 4 star day.