President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act on this day in 1956. The bill allowed for the creation of a 41,000 mile highway system. With his signing, Eisenhower stated the project would eliminate inefficient routes and traffic jams, as well as all other things that stood in the way of “speedy, safe, transcontinental travel.” The roads became known as the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. Vast approval of the bill can be traced in part to the argument the express roadways would allow for the quick evacuation of major cities in the event of a nuclear attack.
The best way to support This Day in Automotive History is to become a monthly subscriber on Facebook.
Subscriber benefits include:
- Most importantly, you’re supporting great content about Automotive History
- Early access to content on Facebook
- Discounts on our store
- Special live videos
If you learned something today, please buy me a beer!
Recent Posts
April 25, 1959 – Mario Andretti makes US racing debut
April 25, 2024
April 24, 1957 – Origins of the Nissan Skyline
April 24, 2024
April 22, 1996 – Mercedes SLK class debuts at Turin
April 22, 2024
The Cute Ute – 1964 Ford Ranchero for Sale
April 22, 2024
Is Restoring a Classic Car Worth Your Time and Investment?
April 22, 2024
This Day in Automotive History - the book!
This Day In Automotive History
By Brian Corey
This book tells fascinating tales, bringing individual days to life with short stories, photographs and illustrations.
This Day in Automotive History
This Day in Automotive History is a transportation history, car history and general automotive history website dedicated to providing informative and entertaining content.
We encourage you to share our page and connect with us on Facebook or sign up for our automotive history newsletter. If you’d like your car featured, reach out to us!
We encourage you to share our page and connect with us on Facebook or sign up for our automotive history newsletter. If you’d like your car featured, reach out to us!
Related Posts
April 25, 1959 – Mario Andretti makes US racing debut
April 25, 2024
April 24, 1957 – Origins of the Nissan Skyline
April 24, 2024
April 22, 1996 – Mercedes SLK class debuts at Turin
April 22, 2024
The Cute Ute – 1964 Ford Ranchero for Sale
April 22, 2024
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!
Connect with us on Facebook or sign up for our automotive history newsletter to keep in touch.