Lecture Notes: The U.S. Interstate System

Introduction

• The U.S. Interstate System is regarded as one of the greatest public works projects in history.
• Before its establishment, traveling from state to state in the U.S. was not straightforward.
• The Interstate System was influenced by a combination of presidential initiatives and Cold War paranoia.

Historical Background

Good Roads Movement (1870)

• Initiated by cyclists advocating for better road conditions.
• Aimed to inform people about road building and improve rural connectivity.
• Led to the Department of Agriculture evaluating highway systems in 1893.

Early 20th Century Developments

• Numerous good roads existed, but lacked a comprehensive coast-to-coast connection.
• Lincoln Highway (1913):
  • Created by Carl G. Fisher, connected Times Square (NYC) to Lincoln Park (San Francisco).

Key Events Influencing Interstate Development

1919 Motor Corps Transport Convoy

• A military experiment to encourage transcontinental highway construction.
• Featured 81 vehicles and 297 personnel.
• Dwight Eisenhower participated as an observer.
• Encountered significant infrastructure challenges, providing valuable insights for future highway projects.

Bureau of Public Roads and Defense (1922)

• Tasked with mapping roads for national defense purposes.
• FDR’s 1938 map outlined eight superhighway corridors.

Post WWII Influence

• Eisenhower’s experience with the German Autobahn influenced his vision for U.S. highways.
• Federal Aid Highway Act (1956):
  • Passed under Eisenhower’s presidency, emphasizing defense.

Cold War and Interstate System

• Cold War tensions highlighted the need for efficient national defense routes.
• The Interstate System was designed to facilitate quick military mobilization and national defense.
• Construction began shortly after the Act was passed.

Impact and Challenges

• Facilitated economic growth and urban development by connecting isolated areas.
• Significant job creation, but also caused displacement due to large highway structures.
• Some cities halted construction due to opposition, resulting in incomplete highways.

Numbering and Design

• Interstates numbered under 100 are primary; numbers over 100 are auxiliary.
• Unlike Germany’s Autobahn, all U.S. Interstates have speed limits.

Economic and Social Influence

• Interstates are vital for commerce; every U.S. product has traveled on them.
• Spurred the evolution of national franchises and new urban areas.

Conclusion

• The Interstate System is crucial for connectivity, economic development, and national defense.
• Despite its challenges, it remains a key component of U.S. infrastructure.

Additional Information

• Sponsored by Pep Boys.
• Part of Donut Media's WheelHouse series.