The Lincoln Highway: Coast to Coast from Times Square to the Golden Gate

The Lincoln Highway spans 3,389 miles from Times Square to San Francisco's Lincoln Park, representing America's first transcontinental automobile route. This book chronicles both the history and present-day reality of this historic roadway, combining archival research with on-the-ground exploration. Wallis and Williamson document the highway's development from its 1913 inception through its peak years and eventual decline after the Interstate system emerged. The narrative includes interviews with residents, business owners, and travelers who maintain connections to the road, while Williamson's photographs capture both preserved landmarks and forgotten ruins along the route. The text balances historical detail with observations of contemporary life along the Lincoln Highway, painting a portrait of changing American culture and values over the past century. Through this examination of one road's evolution, the authors present themes of progress, preservation, and the shifting nature of the American journey.

Readers appreciate the detailed historical research and photography documenting the Lincoln Highway's role in early American automobile culture. Many note the balance between technical details and human interest stories about towns and people along the route. Likes: - Thorough documentation of roadside architecture and landmarks - Mix of historical and contemporary photographs - Personal accounts from people who lived and worked along the highway - Maps and directions for modern travelers Dislikes: - Some find the writing style dry and academic - A few readers wanted more coverage of specific regions - Limited focus on current conditions of the highway Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (156 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (92 ratings) Representative review: "The perfect combination of American history, road trip guide, and photo essay. The authors clearly drove every mile and talked to locals everywhere they went." - Amazon reviewer "More like a textbook than an engaging travelogue" - Goodreads reviewer

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🛣️ The Lincoln Highway was America's first coast-to-coast road, spanning 3,389 miles from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco. 📸 Co-author Michael S. Williamson is a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer for The Washington Post, bringing vivid imagery to document the highway's stories and landscapes. 🗺️ The route traverses 13 states and connects more than 700 cities and towns, with much of the original path still driveable today using sections of modern highways. 🎭 The highway was named after President Abraham Lincoln in 1913 by Carl Fisher, founder of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, who wanted to create a "Road of Remembrance" to honor Lincoln's legacy. 🚗 The book captures not just the road's history, but also documents the iconic roadside attractions, diners, motels, and local characters that have made the Lincoln Highway a vital piece of American culture for over 100 years.