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Jefferson Highway
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Named after Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States this collection of roads and trails meandered through the land area known as "The Louisiana Purchase" which Jefferson was primarily responsible for. The visionaries of 1915 who committed to building this Highway down the backbone of America included a delegation from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. These men and women convinced the Americans to make their city the northern origin of the Pine to Palm Highway. The other end and ultimate destination was in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA and it still is to this day. There are markers at each end of the Highway as well as some along the way. Most of the roadway still exists in one form or another to this day. It's historical significance to motoring and transportation history is enormous.
In the fall of 2009 a single motorhome outfitted with modern
gps and interpreting maps taken from a 1920s
Jefferson Highway brochure, the team completed a two week journey through over 200
towns and cities all the way to New Orleans, Louisiana on most of the
original Jefferson Highway. |
 Expedition motorhome traveling through a Jeff railroad underpass in Oklahoma, November 2009. |
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Many people along the road didn't even know
that they were on a famous Highway and were excited to hear about it. Other people
did know that they were on the
Jefferson Highway and they have been keeping the memory alive in many ways.
Excellent
local museums with Highway memorabilia dot the entire route, new Pine to Palm signs are popping up
everywhere and local events such
as 'sociability runs' are being organized all along the way. Not to
mention that the Jefferson Highway Geocache Challenge.
The expedition was welcomed with great
enthusiasm by historical societies, chambers of commerce, local
politicians and the press throughout the entire journey. The sociability
run called the "Pine to Palm Tour '09"
was a huge success and will be viewed as the beginning of the re-building
of an international tourist destination. "The Jefferson Highway is
back!" |
Butler, MO welcomes the Pine to Palm '09 travelers carrying an original Jefferson Highway sign. |
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Interesting Fact: You can travel the entire 2300 mile (3700 km) length of the Jefferson Highway in the same time zone! On our trip we met many people who expressed interest in forming a new Jefferson Highway Association. That is now going to happen in Lee's Summit, MO on March 19th, 2011. You are invited to join us! It is time to let people know about The Jefferson Highway, let's do it!
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Discussions about the Jefferson Highway.
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Visitors |