The Roads that Built America
June 30, 2026
“Historic highways and scenic byways that continue to tell the nation’s story.”
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Long before America was connected by interstates and jetliners, it was connected by roads—routes that carried settlers, merchants, soldiers, and dreamers westward. As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, there may be no better way to appreciate its story than by driving the highways that helped write it.
For much of our nation’s history, Americans traveled on local roads, wagon trails, and two-lane highways that linked communities and fueled westward expansion. That changed dramatically in 1956 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act, creating the Interstate Highway System. Inspired in part by the military road networks he observed during World War II and the need for a modern national transportation system, Eisenhower’s vision ultimately produced more than 48,000 miles of interstate highways, transforming commerce, travel, and the American road trip.
Yet some of America’s most rewarding journeys are still found beyond the interstate. The Blue Ridge Parkway winds 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, preserving both spectacular mountain scenery and Appalachian heritage. Historic Route 66, established in 1926, became a symbol of opportunity as millions traveled west in search of new beginnings. The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River through ten states, while the Overseas Highway links the Florida Keys across miles of turquoise water. According to the National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration, these routes are recognized not only for their beauty but also for their historic, cultural, and recreational significance. As we commemorate 250 years of American independence, perhaps the finest tribute is to occasionally leave the interstate behind and rediscover the roads that helped build the United States—one mile, one story, and one unforgettable journey at a time.
