Digital History
Digital History: The Interstate Highway System
In 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower authorized the largest public works project in the history of the world. The president had been impressed by Hitler's autobahns and believed that a national system of highways was necessary to move...
US National Archives
Our Documents: National Interstate and Defense Highways Act (1956)
This great resource gives the history of building interstate highways as far back as the Roosevelt administration. Find out why President Eisenhower thought a system of interstate highways was so important to the U.S. economy and defense.
Other
Federal Highway Administration: Eisenhower Interstate Highway System
This site from the Federal Highway Administration offers an eclectic look at the history of the interstate system made possible by the passage of the Federal Highway Act. Find videsos of the highway, see what happened on the day...
Other
U.s. Interstate Highway System: 40 Year Report
Provides an analysis of the US interstate highway system. Includes information on the impact of the interstate highway system on the economy, safety, quality of life, and national defense.
C-SPAN
C Span Classroom: Teaching About Gas Tax
Students use multi-media materials to learn about tax on gas and then participate in classroom deliberations about whether or not the government should raise tax on gas to fund federal highway projects. Includes lesson plans and all...
US National Archives
Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum: Interstate Highway System
From the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum come primary source documents concerning President Eisenhower's support for an interstate highway system which resulted in the Federal Highway Act. Find messages to Congress, letters to...
Other
Landscape Change Program: History and Impact of the Interstate Highway System
Read about the reasons behind Federal Highway Act, which resulted in the interstate highway system. Find out about the contruction of the highways, and the cultural impact caused by such highways bypassing so many towns throughout the...
Other
Public Roads Magazine: Creating the Interstate System
Discusses the creation of the interstate highway system by the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956.
Ohio History Central
Ohio History Central: Interstate Highway Act of 1956
Ohio History Central gives brief discussion about the purpose of the Interstate Highway Act and its ramifications in American commerce.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Interstate Highway System
Interesting information, history, and facts on the Interstate Highway System that began a new road culture making travel faster, easier, and safer.