Once upon a time, motorists contended with a patchwork of irregular roads. You never knew what was around the next bend if you were traveling across the state or across the country.
With the Federal Highway Act of 1921, the federal government designated funding and created policies to establish the US Highway system. In 1926, select roads between Massachusetts and Montana were designated as US Route 20, offering motorists a defined route from Boston to Yellowstone National Park. In 1940, the route was expanded to Newport, Oregon.
This historic route stretches from sea to shining sea and leads travelers through our City past historic sites like Old Village Hall and The James A. Garfield National Historic Site.
Recently, the Mentor Public Works Department installed “Historic Route 20” signs along the route, commemorating America’s longest highway. The signs were produced by the Historic US Route 20 Association, a non-profit organization dedicated preserving the cultural importance of the route while promoting economic development of communities along the way.
Mentor proudly acknowledges its place along the historic route with the new signs, inviting residents to explore the history, natural wonders and communities to be found when you follow historic Route 20.
To find out more about the Historic US Route 20 Association, visit www.historicus20.com.