Established in 1912 by early automotive entrepreneur Carl G. Fisher, the Lincoln Highway is regarded as the country’s first transcontinental route and is affectionately known as the “Father Road.” Inspired by the Good Roads Movement and the National Old Trails Road, the Lincoln Highway was also the first route constructed specifically for automobile use.
The Lincoln Highway stretches from New York to San Francisco, with a notable portion running through Illinois. Illinois has the distinguished honor of being the first state to complete its segment through the dedication and hard work of the communities along the route. Due to the lack of public funding, individuals and communities funded and undertook the physical construction of the Lincoln Highway. In turn, the highway provided an economic boost to the communities located along the route, earning the nickname “The Main Street of America.”
The Lincoln Highway went on to inspire the creation of future transcontinental routes, including the Yellowstone Trail, Dixie Highway, Meridian Highway, and the Victory Highway, which today provide connecting routes between every rural community and urban metropolis of the nation.
Plan your visit today and experience the rich history and diverse stories of the Lincoln Highway.
