If you're a history buff and happen to be out for a drive in Omaha one day, you'll want to take this little detour that will lead you straight to a piece of American history. The Lincoln Highway was the first automobile route to connect the east coast and the west coast, passing through 13 states along the way. Nebraska was, of course, one of those states.
The Lincoln Highway stretched from the Omaha area in the east all the way west to cross over into Wyoming.
It was kind of a crazy idea at the time; when the road was dedicated in 1913, most roads in Nebraska (and indeed, in the rest of the country) were still dirt. Automobiles hadn't yet become the indispensable part of life that it is now. Still, the ambitious project brought "America's Main Street" through Nebraska in the early part of the 20th Century. Nebraska was the last state to pave its portion of the highway. (The above map shows the easternmost portion of the Lincoln Highway's route through Nebraska.)
Most parts of the highway have been significantly altered or altogether destroyed over the years.
However, there is a short stretch of brick-paved road between Omaha and Elkhorn that has somehow survived nearly 100 years, and you can still drive on it today. These bricks were laid in 1920 on a bed of concrete, a technique which has no doubt contributed to the road's staying power.
Although this portion of the original Lincoln Highway is just three miles long, driving on it is quite an experience.
You can almost imagine what it must have been like for Nebraskans and other travelers 100 years ago, maneuvering their big cars down this brick-paved stretch of road. Take the route slowly and enjoy this connection to Nebraska's unique place in American transportation history.
This three-mile stretch of road is the longest intact segment of the original Lincoln Highway. You can get to it in Omaha by traveling west on West Dodge Road; 2.5 miles beyond Boys Town you'll see a Lincoln Highway marker sign. Turn right and keep going until you get to the brick road. It passes right by the OPPD complex.
There are quite a few other places to experience pieces of the old Lincoln Highway in Nebraska. Most of the original route is now known as Highway 30, and there are terrific things to see along the entire route. You can work your way all across the state following these bits of transportation history - start planning your trip here.
Have you driven this historic little stretch of highway? Tell us about it and share your pictures in the comments!
The Lincoln Highway/Highway 30 route is a beautiful journey; for even more scenic routes, take a look at this article from the archives.
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