Remember When Travel Times Were a Thing?

We often take the convenience of freeways for granted today, but there was a time when traveling across this vast country was challenging and time-consuming. In the 1950s and 1960s, a new network of interstate highways revolutionized travel, linking Americans to even the most remote locations and transforming the way we journeyed across states.

Travel times were a major topic of conversation back in the 1950s. Driving from one state to another meant navigating a patchwork of county roads dotted with small towns and big cities. The journey involved numerous stops and potential delays, with road conditions varying greatly. Planning a trip required careful mapping and a bit of luck.

The journey itself was often a hot topic among friends and family. Imagine a father bragging to his brother-in-law about finding a shortcut south of Poughkeepsie that saved an hour but noting it was a gravel road. The brother-in-law might reply with a warning not to take that route when it rains. These conversations were common as travelers shared tips and tricks for shaving time off their trips.

Everything changed with the advent of interstate highways. Suddenly, you could drive on freeways all day without stopping, bypassing towns and cities altogether. Long trips were shortened by hours, even days. Travel efficiency improved dramatically, making it possible to cover vast distances in a fraction of the time it used to take.

While driving became faster, some argue it also became less interesting. The rise of interstates led to the decline of many small cities and businesses that thrived along the old routes. The most famous decline was seen along the storied and romantic Route 66. This iconic road ran from Illinois to Los Angeles, stretching 2,448 miles. It was a key route for millions of people moving to California and a popular path for vacationers stopping at attractions like the Painted Desert and Grand Canyon.

Route 66 was more than just a road; it symbolized adventure and Americana. Roadside curio shops and restaurants made it a tourist attraction in its own right. However, as more direct and better-maintained routes emerged, Route 66 declined. Despite this, many sections of the historic route are now part of the National Register of Historic Places. Travelers can still drive along parts of Route 66 and experience the notable and often quirky landmarks that once made it famous.

The story of interstate highways is one of progress and nostalgia. While we celebrate the convenience and speed of modern travel, a part of us misses the charm and adventure of the old ways. Whether it’s reminiscing about the days when travel times were a thing or exploring the historic stretches of Route 66, the history of American travel is a testament to how far we’ve come and a reminder of the journeys that shaped us.