Historic Trails Used as Highways

[Pruitt]

Originally Posted by RedDagger18

Some my comments in boldface italic.
RedDagger18

Okay, I have read your dark italics. Who administers these "United System" roads? It is the FEDERAL Government. It can therefor stand for United States, a part of the National road system. Anything else you need help with?

Pruitt

[KICK]

Originally Posted by Pruitt

Okay, I have read your dark italics. Who administers these "United System" roads? It is the FEDERAL Government. It can therefor stand for United States, a part of the National road system. Anything else you need help with?

Pruitt

{quote} The U.S. Numbered Highway System is not a true Federal program for roadways, but a series of interconnected state highways with a unified numbering plan for the purpose of aiding navigation. They were chosen initially from higher traffic roads that had previously identified by the states as deserving of Federal Aid. Not every Federal Aid route was given a US number. US highways are built and maintained by the individual states and funded in the same manner as any other state highway. In most states, they are simply a state highway with a different shield. Numbering and signing of US routes is approved by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officers (AASHTO). Participation the the US Route System is voluntary. States are not bound by Federal Law to comply with US route designations. {quote}

[Pruitt]

Interesting, yet the four laning of US 90 in Louisiana was funded by the Federal Government. Hopefully they will get around to the stretch West of Lake Charles before I die! Also the the system is constantly referred to as a United States Highway system and not United Services. I did know the US system was initially made up of former state highways (you have to start somewhere!).

One of the State Highways that did not make it to the US system was Louisiana State Highway 1, which runs from North of Shreveport to Grand Isle. The first episode of the TV show Highway 66 was supposed to take place at Grand Isle.

One article I read did confirm that Highway 90 is supposed to follow the Old Spanish Trail. It is a bit off at times as the old route swung North to Niblett's Bluff to cross the Sabine River. That is where the first ford on the Sabine is located. Further East the OST also was located along several Bayous. General Banks used it to travel through South Louisiana.

Pruitt

[KICK]

you can almost surely bet the Old Spanish Trail followed a footpath used by the natives.

Pru, in the beginning the US Numbering system was an aid for travelers.

how many names does US 90 have over its length?

I'll give you an example..

US1 southern terminus is in Key West... in Key West its name changes from Truman Ave to Roosevelt Blvd... once out of Key West it becomes the Overseas Highway... on the mainland in Miami Dade County it goes from being called South Dixie Highway, to Brickell Avenue, then Biscayne Blvd. once in Broward it is known as Federal Highway...

hence the US1 sign for long distance travellers

this name thing happens on every one of these roads

[Elijah]

Is there a Natchez Trace route?

[KICK]

Originally Posted by Elijah

Is there a Natchez Trace route?

Natchez Trace parkway

[bad bob]

Just wanted to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to provide some VERY interesting info and links related to our nations travel routes.
Without question, y'all are the best.

[Pruitt]

You are most welcome! Some of us are accused on occasion of being modest as well!

Pruitt

[Carl Schwamberg]

Originally Posted by KICK

Natchez Trace parkway

Drove a large part of that one over a decade ago. Speed limit was only 50 mph, but there was no traffic or stops & it went the direction I was headed.

[johnbryan]

In Michigan, Grand River Avenue running from Detroit to Lansing is a former 'animal trace', Indian trail, as is Michigan Avenue running from Detroit to Chicago.