Road trip remnant

Perhaps you thought the Interstate Highway System, conceived in the 1950s and now connecting most US cities, was our original cross-country automobile route. Or, if you are a little older, you remember when cars drove the United States Numbered Highways. I remember traveling a still vital Route 66 in the 1960s.

But these roads had a predecessor: the transcontinental Lincoln Highway, dedicated in 1913. This ambitious route began in San Francisco and ended in Times Square at 42nd and Broadway in New York. Apparently there's a sign. I'll have to look for it next time I'm in New York. The road predated the Lincoln Memorial in Washington which wasn't dedicated until 1922.

If you are wondering, since the Bay Bridge didn't yet exist, motorists needed a ferry between the Hyde Street Pier in the city and Berkeley.

According to a 1916 guidebook:

... a trip from the Atlantic to the Pacific on the Lincoln Highway was "something of a sporting proposition" and might take 20 to 30 days. To make it in 30 days the motorist would need to average 18 miles (29 km) an hour for 6 hours per day, and driving was only done during daylight hours. The trip was thought to cost no more than $5 a day per person, including food, gas, oil, and even "five or six meals in hotels". Car repairs would, of course, increase the cost.

Since gasoline stations were still rare in many parts of the country, motorists were urged to top off their gasoline at every opportunity, even if they had done so recently. Motorists should wade through water before driving through to verify the depth. The list of recommended equipment included chains, a shovel, axe, jacks, tire casings and inner tubes, tools, and (of course) a pair of Lincoln Highway pennants. And, the guide offered this sage advice: "Don't wear new shoes".

Firearms were not necessary, but west of Omaha full camping equipment was recommended, and the guide warned against drinking alkali water that could cause serious cramps. In certain areas, advice was offered on getting help, for example near Fish Springs, Utah, "If trouble is experienced, build a sagebrush fire. Mr. Thomas will come with a team. He can see you 20 miles off". Later editions omitted Mr. Thomas, but westbound travelers were advised to stop at the Orr's Ranch for advice, and eastbound motorists were to check with Mr. K.C. Davis of Gold Hill, Nevada.

One of the original road markers survives in San Francisco on what is now Park Presidio (and California Highway 1).

All details from Wikipedia. I encountered and was mystified by the marker while Walking San Francisco.