Lincoln Highway group celebrates famed byway

LODGEPOLE – Laid out in 1913, the Lincoln Highway was the first transcontinental highway in the country.

The route travels through more than a dozen Nebraska counties and nearly 50 communities. Historically known for its great promotion, a state organization is working to highlight landmarks along the path through Nebraska and give motorists a reason to divert from the interstate.

Locally, the Lincoln Highway travels through Cheyenne, Deuel and Kimball counties.

Earlier this week, the Nebraska Lincoln Highway Historic Byway governing body met in Lodgepole for its bi-monthly meeting. The group also toured the surrounding area and made notes of points of interest to highlight in its marketing efforts.

During a public meeting held in Lodgepole on Monday evening, Muriel Clark, president of the group, gave a presentation on the Lincoln Highway's history. A dozen residents and business and tourism leaders attended the presentation to learn about ways to market local communities proximity to the route.

Clark said throughout the country – and among Nebraska's eight other scenic byways – roadways designated as byways are generally short in length and lead to a specific destination.

The Lincoln Highway, however, which stretches nationally from New York to California and in Nebraska from border-to-border, doesn't lead to a particular feature. Instead, it offers a glimpse into the history of transportation in the U.S., Clark said.

Years ago, federal money handed down to the state was disbursed to help create an organization to publicize the Lincoln Highway's importance in American history and highlight communities along the roadway. That money has since dried up, but the organization continues to market and publicize the byway.

Travelers along the Lincoln Highway are more apt to spend time and money in the towns it traverses, Clark said.

"It's important to get people off the interstate," she remarked. "People who travel byways like to immerse themselves in the communities."

Often, "heritage travelers" can recognize the historical value of buildings and landmarks.

"Their spending can help keep local businesses viable and available to residents year round," a release from the Lincoln Byway group states. "In exchange, the small rural communities can help reconnect visitors to nature, rural landscapes, local food and a lifestyle that some living in large metropolitan areas may believe only exist in the past."

The group is seeking members – among municipalities and individuals – to help support its efforts in publicizing the byway.

Cheyenne County Tourism Director Heather Hausman, who represents the western region on the Nebraska Lincoln Highway Historic Byway governing board, said the organization helps offer understanding about the history of the roadway for those who travel it.

"Our focus is to bring those people in, promote activities going on and get folks off the interstate to learn about the history and the importance of the Lincoln Highway," she said.

Many of the features along the byway – whether preserved or not – allow people to learn about the history of Nebraska, she explained.

While Cheyenne County is a member of the organization, she said smaller communities that sit along the Lincoln Highway are being asked to join.

Tammy Sherman, Lodgepole village clerk, said this week's meeting helped the organization become more aware of the community's offerings and likewise, the community to learn about the historic byway group.

"We're going to join [the organization]," she added.

Clark said through advertisements and promotional maps, her organization hopes to rekindle the Lincoln Highway's notoriety.

"It doesn't take a lot to get people to slow down and stop into town," she said.