When the US Highway system was being put together in 1925 and 1926, the powers that be decided that the “major” routes would be those that end in 0 or 1. Indiana, in its place as “Crossroads of America,” would be home to quite a few of these. Given the width of the United States, the fact that two of the major north-south routes would run through the state might have been a bit strange. However, that is what happened.
When the second batch of new state roads were being commissioned starting in 1919, the route connecting Evansville, Vincennes, Terre Haute, Rockville, Attica, and Hammond on its way to Chicago was given the original state road 10 designation. This made SR 10 the longest such road in the state. With the Great Renumbering, it acquired its current designation, although the road would be moved in many places.
Interesting read. A couple of minor corrections in the Evansville area. Prior to 1940, 41 came down Willow Road, followed the curve in front of Oak Hill Cemetery, used Columbia to Fares, then south on Fares. Much of Willow north of Morgan is where the current US 41 is now. Also, apparently prior to the completion of the bridge in ’32, 41 went down Old Henderson Road on the west side, to a ferry across from Downtown Henderson. I don’t know how it was routed through Evansville at that time, but I have seen a state map with 41 going down this route to Henderson.
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I am *dying* to make this road trip. I’ve wanted to do it for 10 years. I just keep not being able to get to it. SO much old-alignment goodness here!
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