The U.S. Interstate Highway System was significantly influenced by President Dwight D. Eisenhower's experiences during World War II. Eisenhower observed Germany's Autobahn system during the war, recognizing the strategic importance of a robust national highway network for military defense and transportation.
Upon becoming President, he advocated for the creation of a similar system in the United States, emphasizing its benefits for national defense and economic growth. The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, signed by Eisenhower, authorized the construction of the Interstate Highway System.
This system revolutionized transportation in the U.S., facilitating faster travel, promoting economic development, and enhancing national security.
And "they" have been working on I35 through Texas ever since.
ReplyDeletehe also did it for rapid evacuation of the cities in the event of nuclear war. today? i dont think thats a good idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat Eisenhower did to the German people post WW II was criminal. Rhine Meadows concentration camps for the soldiers, many who died. Massive displacement of women and children forced to leave their homes and walk for miles.
ReplyDeleteYou inane comment tells me that you have never even considered serving our once-great nation in uniform.
DeleteThat's Clinton behind the wood guard cable post....
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it is, he's not in jail.
DeleteBefore I-20 was completed in the 1980s, Birmingham was a nightmare.
ReplyDeleteIn 1919 LTC Eisenhower participated in the Army Convoy experience. From the Eisenhower Presidential Library:
ReplyDeleteIn the summer of 1919, a young Lieutenant Colonel named Dwight D. Eisenhower participated in the first Army transcontinental motor convoy. The expedition consisted of 81 motorized Army vehicles that crossed the United States from Washington, DC, to San Francisco, a venture covering a distance of 3,251 miles in 62 days. The expedition was manned by 24 officers and 258 enlisted men. The convoy was to test the mobility of the military during wartime conditions. As an observer for the War Department, Lt. Col. Eisenhower learned first-hand of the difficulties faced in traveling great distances on roads that were impassable and resulted in frequent breakdowns of the military vehicles. These early experiences influenced his later decisions concerning the building of the interstate highway system during his presidential administration.
Also, some interstates were late to exist because originally, there had to be at least 1 straight mile of interstate in every 10 miles which could/would be used as airplane landing strips.
ReplyDeleteIf that comely young hitch hiker was on the side of the road as I drove past, I'd certainly stop and see what kind of help she needed.
ReplyDelete