Ogallala in Keith County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Lincoln Highway

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 9, 2011

1. The Lincoln Highway Marker

Inscription. The Lincoln Highway was proclaimed the nation’s first coast-to-coast highway in 1913. It connected New York City with San Francisco, crossing twelve states and spanning 2,300 miles. The Lincoln Highway was created by an association of automobile enthusiasts and manufacturers who mapped connecting roadways across the country. Through much of Nebraska the Lincoln Highway followed the Great Platte River Road used by fur traders, overland emigrants, and the Union Pacific Railroad. In Keith County, the highway was gravel until replaced by asphalt in 1933 and concrete in 1949.

The Lincoln Highway (now U.S. 30) entered Ogallala at East 4th Street and exited on West 5th Street near the fairground. Early coast-to-coast travelers often stopped at campgrounds established for the auto adventurers. In the summer of 1919 Lieutenant Colonel Dwight D. Eisenhower led an eighty-one-vehicle military convoy through Ogallala on the Lincoln Highway. The trip promoted the importance of Interstate travel by the military, and helped popularize the route for thousands of civilians who followed.

Erected by Ogallala/Keith County Chamber of Commerce. (Marker Number 8.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles.

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In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #34 Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the Lincoln Highway series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 41° 7.473′ N, 101° 43.204′ W. Marker is in Ogallala, Nebraska, in Keith County. Marker is on West First Street (U.S. 30). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 150 West First Street, Ogallala NE 69153, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Interstate 80 (a few steps from this marker); California Hill (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Union Pacific (about 300 feet away); Highways 26 and 92 (about 400 feet away); The Mormon Trail (about 400 feet away); The Pony Express (about 500 feet away); The Great Platte River Road (about 700 feet away); Standard Oil Gas Station (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ogallala.

Also see . . . Lincoln Highway - Wikipedia. (Submitted on December 21, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 9, 2011

2. The Lincoln Highway Marker

The Lincoln Highway marker is to the right of the stop sign, behind the lamp post. Only the back of the marker is visible,

U.S. Highway 30 in Ogallala, Nebraska, formerly part of the Lincoln Highway image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 9, 2011

3. U.S. Highway 30 in Ogallala, Nebraska, formerly part of the Lincoln Highway

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 21, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 825 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 21, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.