Somerset Township in Somerset County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway

"Father of the Interstate Highway System"

Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, April 20, 2008

1. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway Marker

Inscription. 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 - 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 month for this entry is June 1704.

Location. 39° 59.951′ N, 79° 2.771′ W.

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Marker is near Somerset, Pennsylvania, in Somerset County. It is in Somerset Township. It can be reached from The Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 70). Marker is in front of the eastbound Somerset Rest Area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 327 Industrial Park Rd, Somerset PA 15501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Blue Star Memorial Highway (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wind Power (about 500 feet away); Flight 93 National Memorial (about 600 feet away); Rural Electrification (approx. ¼ mile away); Coffee Springs Farm (approx. 1.3 miles away); Harmon Husband (approx. 1.3 miles away); George R. Scull House (approx. 1.8 miles away); The G. Henry Cook Enrichment Center (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Somerset.

Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, April 20, 2008

2. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,731 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 20, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.