Dixie Highway Legacy: Tennessee Marks 100 Years of Highway History

NORRIS, Tenn., Oct. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the nation anticipates the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Highway System in 2026, the Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council is reflecting on the historical roadways that have shaped modern travel. From the early wagon paths to the scenic byways of today, Tennessee's roads tell a story of progress and connection.

Discover how the  Dixie Highway paved the way for modern travel. Explore "From Wagon Roads to Highways: Tennessee's 100 Years on the Open Road" and plan your own road trip through the Tennessee River Valley and 9 Lakes Region by visiting l ink .

The new feature, " From Wagon Roads to Highways: Tennessee's 100 Years on the Open Road, " explores the evolution of America's roadways, beginning with the Avery Trace, a ten-foot-wide path created in 1786. This feature highlights the vision of the Dixie Highway, the nation's first interstate tourist route. The story emphasizes the importance of roadways and the ability to connect communities and promote tourism.

The Good Roads Movement of the early 1900s played a crucial role in Tennessee's road development. Championed by Carl G. Fisher, this movement encouraged states to invest in better routes. In 1915, the Tennessee General Assembly established the State Highway Department, creating the state's first cross-Tennessee route, Highway 1, predating federal oversight.

"Tennessee's highways have always been more than just paths; they're threads in the fabric of our nation, weaving together communities and cultures." Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council Executive Director, Julie Graham said, "From the visionary Dixie Highway that predates the U.S. Highway System to our breathtaking National Scenic Byways, Tennessee offers a drive through history that you won't soon forget."

When the U.S. Highway System was established in 1926, Tennessee's highways became part of the national grid, linking local communities to a broad network. Forty years later, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) was created, unifying America's road programs under a coordinated vision.

Today, the legacy of these early roads lives on through Tennessee's National Scenic Byways. These include:

• East Tennessee Crossing Byway
• Cherohala Skyway
• Sequatchie Valley Scenic Byway
• These byways are part of the federal program established by the FHWA in 1991.

As America approaches the centennial of its highway system, Tennessee serves as a bridge between the past and the present. Historic routes, modern highways, and scenic byways converge, illustrating a narrative of advancement and connection. Visitors can explore this history firsthand and plan road trips through the Tennessee River Valley and 9 Lakes region, following routes once known as the Main Street of the South.

The Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council, a 501 c3 nonprofit, serves as the steering committee and editorial board for the Geotourism MapGuide website. It is comprised of volunteers from a seven state region. The Council's efforts are made possible through the generous support of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

SOURCE TRV Stewardship Council