Embark on a journey through America’s early automotive history with the National Old Trails Road, famously known as the Ocean-to-Ocean Highway. Established in 1912, this ambitious thoroughfare spanned an impressive 3,096 miles, connecting Baltimore, Maryland, to Los Angeles, California, with vital branches reaching New York City and San Francisco. More than just a road, it was a testament to the nation’s pioneering spirit, ingeniously following several of America’s most historic pathways, including the venerable National Road and the legendary Santa Fe Trail. While its original designation paved the way for modern travel, significant portions of this historic route eventually evolved into iconic highways like U.S. 40 and the legendary U.S. Route 66.
The Vision of a Transcontinental Route
The concept of a highway stretching across the American continent emerged as early as the 1890s. Visionaries like General Roy Stone of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Road Inquiry championed the idea, suggesting a network of existing roads could form a grand continental highway. His successor, Martin Dodge, further endorsed this bold vision, recognizing the immense potential for uniting the nation and fostering commerce.
Early 20th-century advocacy groups played a crucial role. The American Automobile Association (AAA), formed in 1902, quickly prioritized a transcontinental road. Various state organizations and influential figures, such as James W. Abbott and Governor Joseph W. Folk, echoed the call for improved long-distance routes, often proposing
