Chapter 4: The Lincoln Highway

Section 3 - 4.1 - Lincoln Highway Logo

photo of Highway conceived by Indiana automobileIn 1914, the Lincoln Highway came to New Haven on its route between New York City and San Francisco as the first coast-to-coast highway. When completed, the highway covered 3,389 miles and traveled through 13 states.

The highway was conceived and promoted by Carl Fisher, an Indiana automobile entrepreneur. Most notably, Fisher built the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, paved it with bricks and started the Indianapolis 500.

In 1912, Fisher pondered the fact that the only “improved” roads across the country were around towns and cities, and “improved” meant only that the road was graded. Gravel or brick were considered enhancements. Most roads around the country were dirt. They were bumpy and dusty in dry weather and hopelessly muddy in wet weather. Beyond that, they didn’t lead anywhere.

Fisher envisioned a graveled road from coast to coast. To build the road, communities along the way would provide the equipment and in return receive free materials and the honor of a place along the historic road. Local government entities enthusiastically opted in and provided equipment to build the section through New Haven.

photo of a gravel road that was later paved; New Haven is shown hereFisher also enlisted the owners of Goodyear, Packard and other auto companies to fund the private highway. Henry Ford did not participate; he felt the US Government should build it.

By 1928, the entire length of the Lincoln Highway had been paved, better reflecting its name as “highway.” In New Haven, the newly lain pavement was 40 feet wide and 10 inches thick with a load limit of 8,000 pounds. Fifty-five feet of right-of-way was created on each side of the road.

Section 3 - 4.6 - Lincoln Highway named after President Lincoln
The Lincoln Highway was named for the 16th president of the United States, believing it to be an appropriately patriotic name for the first transcontinental highway. This was the first time President Lincoln’s name was associated with a national monument, predating the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.

OF NOTE

Section 3 - 4.7 - Mayor McDonald posing by Lincoln Concrete markerOn display in front of the New Haven Municipal Building is a restored 1928 Lincoln Highway concrete marker and descriptive plaque, only a few feet from the road’s original route. The New Haven marker is believed to have been one of two that stood near what is now the Harrison Street bridge just north of downtown Fort Wayne. It’s one of only 15 markers in the state. [Photo: Terry McDonald, New Haven Mayor, 2000-2019]