Near Myersville in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
"Father of the Interstate Highway System"
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 5, 2006
1. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway Marker
In August 1973, the U.S. Congress designated a cross-country stretch of Interstate as the “Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway,” in tribute to President Eisenhower’s early recognition of the need for a national network of highways to enhance the mobility of a growing nation. His dream originated in 1919 on an Army convoy from Washington, D.C., to San Francisco, California, a journey that took 62 days.
On June 29, 1956, President Eisenhower signed the historic legislation that created the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways and the Federal Highway Trust Fund, the pay-as-you-go mechanism through which U.S. motorists have funded the construction and upkeep of the U.S. highway system.
Today, that system stands as a monument to Eisenhower’s vision as a young Army officer—a legacy of safety and mobility that has brought all Americans closer together.
Erected by the American Traffic Safety Services Association and the Road Information Program.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #34 Dwight D. Eisenhower series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 29, 1956.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed.
this page online
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Explore Maryland at the Crossroads of Conflict (within shouting distance of this marker); Explore Maryland as the Crucible of the Nation (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp David (within shouting distance of this marker); The Historic National Road (within shouting distance of this marker); Underground Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle of Antietam (within shouting distance of this marker); C&O Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington County (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Myersville.
More about this marker. The “pay-as-you-go mechanism” discussed on the marker is the federal tax on gasoline.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 5, 2006
2. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway Marker
Marker is in the flower bed, to the left of the coin phones.
Underwood and Underwood (photo courtesy of the National Archives at College Park), September 6, 1919
3. Army Trucks Finish 3000 Mile Trip In Francisco.
"Photo shows Mack Trucks Leading along Market Street, which was gaily decorated to receive them with crowds lining the walks 72 trucks made the trip in 62 days. To test the feasibility of moving men and equipment across the country, on July 7th, the US Army, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Charles W. McClure, Army Motor Transport Corps, led 65 trucks and other vehicles, for total of 72, and 300 troops, on a cross country trip from Washington District of Columbia to San Francisco. The trip took 62 days. Arriving in San Francisco, 1918 Mack AC Bulldog covered flatbed trucks led the way along Market Street lined with cheering crowds. Included among the 300 troops, as an observer, LCOL (Temporary) Dwight D. Eisenhower, future President and proponent of the modern Interstate Highways we enjoy now."
Photographed By Thomas E. Stephens, 1955
4. Dwight D. Eisenhower
This 1955 portrait of Dwight D. Eisenhower by Thomas E. Stephens hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,753 times since then and 10 times this year. Last updated on February 21, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 8, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on January 25, 2019. 4. submitted on January 25, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
