the earliest roads transported people and goods. people walked or used animals. roads were tracks or...
TRANSCRIPT
History of Road Transportation
(c)(4)(A)
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Earliest RoadsThe Earliest roads transported people and goods. People walked or used animals.Roads were tracks or traces that often used or paralleled game trails.One example that still exists in the US is theNatchez Trace.This is a picture ofa sunken part of theTrace.
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First RoadsMesopotamia - where the wheel was
developedHard surfaces for travel purposesMost likely packed material - soil, etc.
In 2000 BC, the Minoans built a road from
Knossos to Gortyn and Lebena. It was 50 kilometers long, and was made of sandstone blocks and gypsum mortar.
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The Silk Road The Silk Road and its connectors were
the major trade link between China, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
4,000 miles long. Begun some time before 114 BC. A series of caravan tracks. More of series of routes rather than a
true road. Named for the prized silks the Chinese
traded for western goods.
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The Silk Road and Connectors
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Roman Roads Used deep beds of crushed stone. More heavily traveled roads used pavers to allow
chariots to travel more quickly. They were build to allow the armies to travel
quickly. Some of these roads still exist. Like this one in Hungary.
Early Paved RoadsEarly Baghdad (in Iraq) used road surfaces paved with tar from oil deposits.
Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas built roads from inland cities to coast to move food and trade goods.
Early Road BuildersBlind Jack Metcalf was first professional road builder in England in 1765. He understood that roads needed good foundations and drainage. (Yes he was blind, he lost his sight at age 6 from small pox.)
John Loudon MacAdamBuilds macadam hard-surface roads in England in 1815.
Turnpikes Early roads were costly and were usually
built by private companies. In the US prior to 1790 roads were
built, financed, and managed towns through road labor taxes.
Many began and ended right outside of the town limits.
Often these roads were made of wooden planks.
They were maintained by citizens who either contributed money, materials, or labor.
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Remains of Plank Road in California
Roads in US Public interest in roads and roadways did not
occur until the invention of the bicycle. In the 1890’s most roads outside of towns
were still dirt roads
Roads and the Model T Henry Ford introduced the Model T in 1908
Low priced at $950 Highly efficient
Pressure was created for the Federal Government to get involved with road building.
Congress Passed the
Federal-Aid Road Act of 1916. 1920 the Bureau of
Public Roads provided
funding for a system of
Paved Highways.
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A Celebration of American Roads
One great example of the economic and cultural importance of roads in the US is Route 66.
U.S. Route 66 was one of the original highways within the U.S. Highway SystemIt is also known as the Will Rogers Highway the Main Street of America the Mother Road.
It ran from Chicago, Illinois through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before ending in Santa Monica, California.
Route 66 – The Road This route provided a major route for westward
migration during the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s. It was a popular route for vacationers in the
1950’s. It was officially decommissioned in the 1985 as an
official part of the highway system. Portions of the road have been designated as a
National Scenic Byway.
Route 66 – Cultural Icon Businesses –
Route 66 Records Route 66 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Route 66 Blue Jeans Numerous Hotels and other business along the route bears its
name. Entertainment –
Route 66 – Televisions series (1960’s and in 1993). Route 66 – Song “Get your Kicks on Route 66” (1946)
Originally sung by Nat King Cole, subsequently covered by Chuck Berry, the Rolling Stones, Bing Crosby & the Andrews Sisters, Asleep at the Wheel, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Lightcrust Doughboys, Depeche Mode, Pappo’s Blues, John Mayer, and Glen Frey.
Route 66 – Film 1998 Route 66 Band
Other A rock on Mars was named Route 66 Route 66 Raceway – Joliet, Illinois Route 66 Oil Company
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The Modern InterstateRoads fell into disrepair during World War II.
After the war, President Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. This act funded the Interstate Program.
Impact of the Interstate Highway System
By increasing speed and expanding access, freight costs have been reduced substantially.
Made less expensive land more accessible and encouraged development.
Made travel time more reliable Made just in time delivery more feasible, reducing
warehousing costs and adding to business efficiency.
Increased retail competition. Improved inter-regional access.
Where do we go from Here?
Any Ideas?