Westshore in Tampa in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Memorial Highway
"Road of remembrance to those who gave their lives for liberty in the World War, 1917-18"
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, February 26, 2017
1. Memorial Highway Marker
This monument, originally in Oldsmar, was one of two dedicated on January 2, 1921 to mark the beginning and end of the Nation's first "Road to Remembrance" constructed after World War One. They memorialized the 105 men and one woman from Hillsborough County who lost their lives in service to our country as members of the United States Armed Forces.
An identical monument was at the road's start then located at Grand Central (now Kennedy Boulevard) and Howard Avenues-at that time the western city limit of Tampa. That monument now stands in the American Legion Cemetery just west of Kennedy Boulevard and Dale Mabry Highway. Granite obelisks served as mile posts on the fifteen miles of highway described as "the first asphalt road to Pinellas County," bronze scrolls on the obelisks and on the bases of the two monuments bear the names of the deceased.
Memorial Highway was created and implemented by the Rotary Club of Tampa. Designed by Rotarian Ralph Martin and engineered by fellow member Jack Hedrick, the club appropriated $7,500 for beautification. The entire length of the road was lined with water oaks and oleanders. Contributions toward construction came from the club, its members, the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, and private individuals. The dedication ceremony was one of the largest public events in Tampa
this page online
Erected 2000 by The Tampa Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • War, World I. A significant historical date for this entry is January 2, 1921.
Location. 27° 56.698′ N, 82° 31.778′ W. Marker is in Tampa, Florida, in Hillsborough County. It is in Westshore. It is at the intersection of West Kennedy Boulevard (State Road 60) and Memorial Highway, on the right when traveling east on West Kennedy Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tampa FL 33609, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Tampa Bay. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Hillsborough County World War I War Dead Memorial (here, next to this marker); The Claxton Manor (approx. 0.9 miles away); Cypress Point Park Historic Salt Works Display (approx. 1.1 miles away); Carver City-Lincoln Gardens (approx. 1.8 miles away); Congregation Schaari Zedek (approx. 2 miles away); William Benton Henderson (approx. 2 miles away); George Guida (approx. 2.2 miles away); West Tampa Centennial (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tampa.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Tampa Confederate Salt Works
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, February 26, 2017
2. Memorial Highway Marker looking south toward monument
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, February 26, 2017
3. Memorial Highway Marker looking north with monument and marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2017, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 2,347 times since then and 130 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 28, 2017, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
