America's Forgotten Mother Road

[@karig4473]

As someone who has autism and has an obsession with highways and stuff I really enjoy your videos and learning about different highways I had no idea about. I think you should do a video on the Pennsylvania Turnpike that's a good historic highway as well, it was originally gonna be planned as a railroad in the 1860s

[@gelatin283]

Me too

[@neighborhoodpranksters6214]

I just recently learned that as well, I believe the southern Pennsylvania railroad, to compete with PRR's more central route

[@KingLarbear]

I'm autistic too

[@briantxfazoli]

me too verbatim lmao

[@conroads2626]

Saaame

[@SouthValleyComputers]

When dust bowl people arrived in California on Rt. 66, it was Highway 99 that took them north/south. A couple of other recommendations, the Dixie Highway, US 6 the Grand Army of the Republic Hwy, and the Lincoln Highway. Love the channel. Liked and subscribed.

[@NoahJSPhoto]

Also the Bankhead which you can still do for the most part on Interstates.

[@patrickmartin3322]

I’d add US1 to this list, it’s history goes back to before the US even existed, back when it was the Boston Post Road, it’s even still known as such in some places in New England

[@2polartv319]

yes PLEASE do route 99, still ongoing history with it! a major part of the california high speed rail follows parallel the 99.

[@TheDJ42]

I'll second US 6 The Grand Army of the Republic Highway. It basically connects the entire country together more so than US 66.

[@Hollywood2021]

I second the US 6 recommendation, only because I’m all too familiar with 99 and know nothing about 6…

[@mikew9999]

I have driven the Wisconsin portion of 41 often for many many years. The upgrade to Interstate status, with the Lake Butte des Morts flyover to U.S. 10 and 45 at Oshkosh has made the journey so much quicker. The highway was made iconic in the Allman Brothers song Lord I was Born a Ramblin' Man, where he sings "I was born in the backseat of a Greyhound bus... rolling down highway 41". Although it was not the Wisconsin portion they were singing about, I still think of that song every time I drive on 41.

[@jlpack62]

My Grandparents lived in Schererville, IN and that town claimed to be the Crossroads of America since it is where US 41 and 30 crossed. 41 across The Everglades is an amazing drive that makes one feel as if they are literally driving on the sea of grass.

[@pacificostudios]

I really think that the Lincoln Highway -- U.S. 30/50 -- is the only real rival to U.S. 66. Woody Guthrie even mentioned the Lincoln Highway, which was much older than "66."

[@chefssaltybawlz]

My part of Lincoln highway was route 27 in NJ. Long road of stop lights. Thank goodness for the interstate system.

[@ramonaragondiaz9258]

Most locals in Chicago refer US route 41 as Lake Shore Drive because when it’s in downtown Chicago that’s what it’s called through most of it voyage.

[@timmmahhhh]

True but the US 41 markers are evident all along LSD.

[@jrescobar6678]

I live off of 41 in Gurnee Illinois, and I travel for work in the Milwaukee on 41 everyday. It's the most beautiful in this area through Wadsworth Illinois.

[@jasonhsu4711]

I'll bet you have season passes to Great America. Then again, I'm sure that the novelty probably wears off for the local residents.

[@macmedic892]

Another historic route you might be interested in: the Old Spanish Trail auto route. It was developed by business leaders in the 1910s and completed in the 1920s. It connected St. Augustine, Florida to San Diego, California.

[@coryburris8211]

There's also the mostly forgotten Pikes Peak Ocean to Ocean Highway that ran from NYC to Los Angeles but intentionally bypassed most major cities. There's an Ocean Trail Road near the airport in Decatur, IL which is part of the old road.

[@tmowbray77]

“And I was born on the back seat of a grayhound bus, rolling down highway 41” … Ramblin’ Man, Allman Brothers

[@timhicks2866]

I enjoyed learning about US41. I never knew of this route. I only knew of the more eastern north/south routes. I feel the same about US40 being a motor road, if not "the" mother road. It was the first national road long before automobiles turn federal hwy. While US66 only runs from the mid-west to the west coast, US 40 runs from the east coast to Utah. Neither run coast to coast, but US40 did originally run from Atlantic City to San Francisco. Love the old roads!

[@penguinsfan251]

You are correct. I don't know how Route 66 became more noted in popular culture than Route 40. 40 goes back to the first National Road and went coast to coast, as do US6, US 30 and US50. 66 never reaches the Eastern Time Zone.

[@timhicks2866]

@@penguinsfan251 I think it's about the part of the country Rt66 traveled through, being a big vacation route, roadside attractions that emerged, and running straight into Los Angeles From Chicago. It wrapped around a region where other roads shoot across

[@theresemalmberg955]

I grew up running around on the north section of 41--I was born in a hospital overlooking the road in Marquette. In 1991 I drove the south section to its ending in Miami Beach. This truly is an amazing road that has been overlooked with an amazing history. It formed both part of the Trail of Tears and Sherman's March through Georgia. Why it hasn't been more popularized I don't know.

[@TheGarmisch]

I live two miles from the Tamimi Trail! I've cruised it many a times down to Miami! Awesome video keep it up!

[@isirlaughsalot2675]

I lived by this road as a kid in Wisconsin and had NO idea it was so important.

[@chefssaltybawlz]

Pretty cool didn’t know this one. You should do a video on the Lincoln Highway. I lived by the end in New Jersey. I’d imagine taking that to California would be miserable today lol

[@eth39232]

Thanks!

[@jaazanheitman1715]

Yo, let's go Beaver! As a Oshkosh, Wisconsin resident, I've been waiting for anyone to make an I-41/US 41 video! I use it every day to go to work and whenever I travel.

[@BeaverGeography]

Oshkosh, WI you say??? 👀

[@jakebutler291]

Love 41! Would also love a video like this for US 1 or 11, both long important north-south routes, or even something like US 287, which I think is the longest 3 digit US highway

[@Col_Crunch]

Having lived along US 1 my whole life, I would love that.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

I've been familiar with Rte 66 since my childhood as well...but I'm now 61. The Ricardos took Rte 66 to LA in the 50s sitcom 'I Love Lucy', as there was no interstate system at that time. Then, of course, there was the iconic pop tune, 'I got My Kicks on Rte 66'. Fastforward to the early 2000s when I watched "Cars" with my kids, and I was delighted to see Rte 66 featured, and a rekindled interest in the forgotten highway. Now that we are retired, wife and I plan to drive the length of it some day in our 2007 cherry red Mustang convertible.

[@windellstephens9359]

US 41 was and still is the "main drag" in my hometown of Lake City, Florida. My parents moved there before I was born and we traveled US 41 from there to Indiana several times in my youth. A couple of those times were before interstates and I still remember travelling through Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. The Allman Brothers made reference to this also in "Ramblin' Man".

[@kossoutheastern5874]

Actually drove us 41 today on Indiana stretch

[@jasonknox1268]

I enjoy these videos. I'm a truck driver who thought I knew a lot about the interstates and major highways in the USA. Keep 'em coming.

[@nathanielmoore87]

I've been on 41 a few times, but I'm most familiar with it being mentioned in the Allman Brothers 1973 hit "Ramblin' Man". In it, the protagonist mentions he "was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus Rollin' down highway 41", presumably somewhere in Georgia as alluded to a couple lines earlier by his father being a gambler there.

[@jacor653]

I actually just traveled on Highway 41 in Wisconsin. My family and I drove to Green Bay from Iowa, and we used Interstate 41/Highway 41 to get into Green Bay.

[@GDLichen]

I’ve been on 41 in Wisconsin and Florida from Sarasota to just SE from Naples

[@jamesnotfound]

I was born in Atlanta and spent part of my childhood there. I’m very familiar with Highway 41, it is Metropolitan Pkwy south of downtown Atlanta until it hits Hapeville and passes by Delta Airlines HQ. It’s still an important road to this day! Another great video! Would you ever consider doing a video on Highway 6? It runs from Provincetown, MA to Bishop, CA and it’s the second longest highway in the county I think? Or Route 1, still an important corridor from Maine to Florida.

[@parkercook288]

I grew up next to 19 41 just south of Atlanta in Jonesboro! Always knew it was important locally but never knew the history

[@troystravels615]

Truckers gave Evansville, Indiana the nickname ‘Stoplight City’ due to Hwy 41 through the city was built ground level with lights of stoplights rather than the elevated limited access highway that was originally proposed.

[@newton21989]

Same deal with The Lloyd.

[@1_Papa]

I honestly don't know why "The Beginning Of Route 41" is listed as "a modest Cul-de-sac," when Mandan Road (unpaved, seasonal) goes another 11-14 miles east of that point, to a place called "Schlatter Lake Recreational" park. But otherwise, this is one of your best videos by far! Keep up the outstanding work! 🐰

[@jonathanalbrecht8458]

I have mountain biked in Copper Harbor, MI three times. Every time I have ridden around the US-41 turnaround for connectivity to other spots. Very cool place.

[@Aidan_US]

I think the Lincoln highway is another important early highway.

[@MinecraftWarrior22]

My thoughts was Dixie highway, and the winne Dixie stores.

[@TheSleepyCraftsman]

So many hours spent driving on 41 in Florida.

[@redbonetony22]

use it everyday on one of its many portions; Nebraska Ave, Hillsborough Ave, 40th St., Melbourne Ave, 50th St / Tamiami Trail, and sometimes Lutz highway and Land O' Lakes blvd, not to forget Business 41, Florida Ave, and the 22nd now 20th st Causeway. its a mile away from my shop.

[@ErikHare]

In Miami it is 8th Street, Calle Ocho. The spiritual Heartland of Miami

[@kaaronhudson8112]

I just love how genuine you are like you truly appreciate every subscriber

[@BeaverGeography]

Specifically you Kaaron

[@ej585]

Such an underrated channel, I learn a lot from your videos! Hope you continue to grow on KZbin!

[@BeaverGeography]

Thank youuu

[@twakum]

I was all over the northern portion. Vacations from Omaha to relatives in Wisconsin and the UP. 6 then 80, 151 etc into 41 and all the way up north. 60s and 70s. Love your channel.

[@RealSteveTheGoat]

Highway 41 is one of my favorites. I used to live just off the Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Beautiful place.

[@baltousprime7897]

In many ways the US Highway system is more or less forgotten do to the advent of the Interstate system. Some portions have even been merged into the Interstate system such as Route 1 in places combined with I-95.

[@TeamRAR]

In 2020 I rented a sporty convertible and drove across the UP of Michigan for a week. The drive on US-41 between Houghton and Copper Harbor is a lot of fun

[@CLsIim]

USH 45 is fairly similar too in that it starts up North and runs all the way South. It actually joins with USH/IH 41 for a stretch outside Milwaukee area.

[@D_Marrenalv]

Very informative and interesting video, thank you. I am also very glad to see that there are still young people today (like you) in this country who value/are interested in and enjoy certain "underappreciated" or forgotten history.

[@howardoberg5847]

drove 41 everyday for 2 years in college near Macon Ga. beautiful pine trees lined it a good portion of the way with tree farms, peach farms and parks.

[@hmoobmeeka]

I drive 41 almost everyday as it runs by my city in Wisconsin

[@Diamondking599]

Another US route that is really cool is route 19. It goes from Erie to Miami and runs along I-79 for a bit.

[@WheelcraftBicycles]

I am from western PA and never realized it went all the way to Miami.

[@haber306]

US 19 doesn't go to Miami... it ends at US 41 in Palmetto, FL, south of Tampa by Bradenton.

[@Diamondking599]

@@haber306 oh, sorry, near Miami. I don’t live near there

[@nomaderic]

A road I stumbled across recently is hwy 83. It starts in Laredo Texas and goes all the way north and even continues into Canada.

[@GeoHuman.]

The unincorporated community of Morgan in Montana is 5 miles further away from an Interstate than Copper Harbor :)

[@planetbarrett6055]

I've always liked US 41, I really like it from Chattanooga to Monteagle. It is a very Important Highway, Going from Miami to the Upper Peninsula. Just like Route 66, it should be more Famous. Beaver, you should do a "Top 10 Most Important US Highways"

[@jasonhsu4711]

There's a drivelapse video that shows US 41 just north of Chattanooga: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXiaoJh3aMmGmZo Yes, I'm a big fan of these musical drivelapse videos.

[@planetbarrett6055]

@@jasonhsu4711 I am too, I always like watching this guy called Freewayjim.

[@MotocrossXMayhemX]

I feel like no one talks about route 1 going from Maine to key west florida, like someone needs to make a video on that

[@penguinsfan251]

US 19 from Erie, PA to Tampa, FL is not as noted as US1, but still significant.

[@jasong428]

In Naples FL, 41 is about 63 lanes wide and gets about seven million vehicles per day in March.

[@jimc.goodfellas]

As a true afficianado of Americana I really like the subject of America's roads. Iconic really is a great word for some of this stuff. Keep it up

[@PHMineHalo]

I'm sure you'll get to I-94, but as a 41/94 lover I gotta share this. After 41 enters Illinois it serves as the major route North/South East of I-94. Then, it continues on to merge with I-94. If I recall correctly, the plan was to extend 41 to Lake Shore Drive but it fell through. The route exits where Skokie, IL gets in the way of I-94. Skokie Boulevard cuts through the city and eventually makes its way back east to the lake. This route is so worth the drive, just through two counties.

[@switchpiece]

Ayy bro keep up the grind been here since 400 subs and watched everyone of you videos

[@schalitz1]

I was just at the Northern terminus of Route 41 last Friday on the Keweenaw Peninsula near Cooper Harbor.

[@Techmonies92]

I live about 2 miles from U.S. 41, (Lake City FL) and I always think of just how far it travels and how cool the path really is, cool vid!

[@hmoobmeeka]

I live close to I-41 in Wisconsin

[@Flk0217]

*Allman Brothers have entered the chat*

[@Mark-qw8lc]

Ramblin' Man (1973) 👍

[@TheMrPits]

Great job, I love the attention on other highways. My cross country favorite, white shield, US highway has always been US 2. (the St. Ignace to Everette section) as I don't feel the New England portion is the same US 2 (it becomes limited access highway... not the same). It rarely parallels any interstates less than an hour away, and only for a small set of miles becomes limited access itself (Everette WA for about 2 miles, and that little stretch in Duluth). The portion from Minot ND to Browning Montana might not impress others, but that slow steady change in terrain and land use, the start empty "high line" followed up by that thrust of the Mountains, which on a good day you can see 3 hours out of Browning. That entire stretch is full of amazing scenery, that hasn't changed that much since 1960. I would love to see more videos on the US highways. Keep up the good work, and folks if you have not yet subscribed, please do, let's boost this up to 50K

[@FinnRogers-17762]

I love your videos They are so informational Keep up the good work

[@newton21989]

> Vincennes and Veterans Memorial Parkway Hey, I know exactly where that sign is! US-41 is definitely not forgotten here in Eville.

[@1776SOL]

Growing up in the Northeast near the road & currently residing the South literally living off the road, I think of "King's Highway" when I hear mother road. Appx 1300miles from then Charles Town, SC to Boston, MA built between 1650-1735.

[@jovanweismiller7114]

A fascinating video, for which I thank you. But the true 'Mother Road' of the US is the Wilderness Road through the Cumberland Gap, which is what came to my mind, at least, when I read the video's title.

[@HayTatsuko]

What a neat story. I'd never even heard of this, but it was cool to learn about it. I'd love to see a video on US Highway 80, if you've not done one already.

[@oldhickory1761]

As a few have suggested, you should research the Lincoln Highway. The later US 66 was more accessible in winter than US 40 (which followed the old Lincoln Highway in many parts when it was created).

[@DivisonLol]

I was here since 1k subs and I like these videos have a good day

[@gelatin283]

What state do you live in? I’m curious

[@Beninator-mt6nx]

I think you should do a video on one of the oldest “highways” in America, the Lincoln Highway. It runs from Time Square, New York City to Lincoln Park, San Francisco. It also ran through my hometown of York, Pennsylvania which is part of the reason why it comes to mind whenever I hear about historic highways. In 1926 when the U.S. Numbered highway system was introduced most of it became U.S. Route 30, which as someone from one of the cities it runs through is a very familiar route to drive on. I believe parts of it were shifted when it became the typically 4 lane route 30 because I can remember driving on typical two lane roads (one lane for each direction) that had signs referring to it as the Lincoln Highway. Particularly in York and Adams County Pennsylvania, I know that these roads run through the small towns of New Oxford, Pa and Gettysburg, Pa. I used these peculiar roads to get to Gettysburg from York since not as many people use them so they are scenic, less traveled roads. I hope my info on a deeply influential and historic highway inspire you to make a video on it. Keep up the good work!

[@timothystockman7533]

I lived for many years in Lafayette IN. Although route 41 does not pass through Lafayette, I traveled it many times when I was west of Lafayette.

[@alexg6446]

Great job, I love this channel

[@revinhatol]

What about Brickell Key in Miami? That should be more often considered as the southern terminus of Highway 41!

[@lukemwills]

I would suggest that the Mother Road of the US is the King's Highway that connected Boston to Charleston by 1735, though much of the northern part dates back to the mid to late 1600s. It was really the first "interstate" road, connecting the major population centers of the 13 colonies. A strong contender would be the Great Wagon Road that saw extensive use in colonial and early America. It left west out of Philadelphia, and turned south to follow the ancient Indian War Path through the Shenandoah Valley.

[@mikejacobs7464]

I live near us 41 in Wisconsin and have traveled on us 41 a lot. The crossroad of us 41 and us 40 is right next to the courthouse in Terre Haute IN and there is a marker about that significants saying that point is the crossroads of the USA.

[@mikejacobs7464]

I forgot to mention that the famous crop duster scene in the Movie NORTH BY NORTHWEST took place on a stretch of highway 41 in Indiana.

[@casmatt99]

Do Route 20 next, Boston to Newport, Oregon - 3365 miles across the country

[@MadComicMan122]

i would argue 41 is incredibly culturally iconic in Miami as it is literally Calle Ocho, the cultural center of Little Havana. great video other than that

[@hmoobmeeka]

41 is an important route in Wisconsin

[@davemaglish247]

I live within 2 miles of the road it's a main thoroughfare in our area and an iconic route as well

[@bigj200016]

Full disclosure, I grew up a block off of 41 in East Chicago, IN. It’s an important route but never got the publicity that 66 or even the Lincoln Highway did

[@jjcastaldo4125]

Another great video. Feel free, at some point, to add 587 in Kingston NY to any of your future projects where you might deem it appropriate. It can't be much more than 2 miles long. Would not be surprised to hear there is some kind of history behind it. Be Well.

[@dominicsaiki8722]

Excellent video, and interesting, unique topic. Well done.

[@BeaverGeography]

Thanks Dominic, love you bro

[@autotechxbox163]

I've been on various portions of U.S. HWY 41 but never knew that it was considered as another Mother Road.

[@johng5710]

In his opinion, it is

[@lws7394]

The American Route du Soleil !! 😎🍹🏝️ The road movie Coupe de Ville depicted the route, i think.

[@blitzir]

I thought US 1 would be considered the other mother road

[@opiumextract2934]

Since you like roads, U.S. route 90 from Jacksonville Florida to Van Horn Texas.

[@Hollywood2021]

Awesome video! I’ve driven 41 in Chicago and the Everglades on separate road trips…had no idea they were connected. If 41 is the mother road, 66 is the father road?

[@bonecanoe86]

My grandparents used to live in a retirement village off Route 41 in the Fort Meyers area

[@jasonhsu4711]

I was born and raised in the Chicago area, so US 41 was Lake Shore Drive to me. It was so strange to see the 2-lane section of US 41 in Indiana. Similarly, I think of US 231 as a 2-lane highway, because I've only seen it in Indiana. So it felt strange to see a drivelapse video from TheSolarCatcher showing a freeway section of that highway in Alabama. I'm sure that there's someone from Alabama who thinks of US 231 as a 4-lane divided highway and would view the 2-lane stretches of it as weird.

[@deadchannel440]

I literally didn't realize that this road was this long. I just knew it as that road with the crappy roller rink off it near my childhood hometown.

[@kirkbailey1836]

U.S. 41 goes through my hometown in Marion County Tennessee. If ever I go to Chattanooga we always take 41 because 24 is too congested. 41 is also quicker because it is 21 miles instead of 30 miles on 24. There is also two U.S. Highways that go through my town. U.S. 72 and U.S. 64

[@jasonhsu4711]

One of my favorite drivelapse videos covers that portion of US 41: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXiaoJh3aMmGmZo

[@shaynestephens]

Another road you might consider covering is US 301. Back in the pre-Interstate 50's and 60's it was the main road northerners followed to and from Florida! Many hotels and restaurants belonged to the US Highway 301 Association which promoted the entire length of the highway. Pedro's "South of the Border" at the North/South Carolina line is still in business after at least 60 years. A motel, eatery, lookout tower, fireworks store, gas station/mini mart, mini-golf area and souvenir shops still sits on either side of US 301/US 501 @ I-95 in Dillon, SC.

[@TimothyHester77NJ]

I was just on Tamiami Tr in Florida last month! You should do US 2 or US 6.

[@austinfisher1015]

As someone who lives in South Florida, I was a bit confused for a second when you said 41 when we also have a 441 which runs next to the turnpike.

[@JMM33RanMA]

You should look up US 1, the oldest road in the US. It extends from Key West, FL, to the Canadian border at Fort Kent, Maine. I used to live on part of the original route [Washington Street or Old Post Road] outside Boston, MA.

[@leoremon7385]

I used to live in Clarksville, Tennessee. One of the main roads is called Ft. Campbell Blvd and goes through Kentucky and Tennessee parallel to Ft. Campbell. We called it 41-A (alternate) for short. Didn’t realize until the map with Tennessee popped up that I did in fact know this highway.

[@GhostRider-sc9vu]

Was born on the other end of 41A and spent 14 of my first 18 years on one end or the other did not leave for good till I was 31 after another 5 years on that highway. Beaver as for 41 you mentioned many areas of Urban Blight along 41 but missed the beautiful woodland and farmland that flank the road when it is not forced into the big city sewers along the route. From Madisonville Ky through to the Nashville City limits is on a par with the UP except for the winter wonderland season.

[@mocowan6642]

I live in Macon, GA. When I go to Atlanta, I use US 41 instead of Interstate 75. Traffic is bad on the interstate, and I end up getting to Atlanta faster using 41. Parts of US 41 make up the Dixie Highway.

[@MillBrookRailroad]

Speaking of old forgotten mother roads, how about a video about the Lee Highway from New York to San Francisco via the south? The National Pike would be another great topic.

[@scpatl4now]

I remember 41 in N Georgia before the section of 75 was finished near Cartersville

[@matthewluecke3704]

"And I was born in the back of a Greyhound bus, Rollin' down Highway 41." Ramblin' Man by the Allman Brothers.

[@chadenglish4169]

My friend's sister lives right off of Tamiami Trail / 8th St and The Palmetto Expressway in Miami.

[@davidcoudriet6618]

Great channel. Would be interested if you are looking to do something about the Lincoln Highway.

[@cloverleafes]

I know it now because it runs on I-75 through Atlanta

[@vopvoopone]

This is making me feel ready for a road trip!

[@jeffking4176]

LAKE SHORE DRIVE: Iconic [ but controversial] song released in 1971 by : Aliotta, Haynes, and Jeremiah. I remember the song . Fantastic piano riff. Most stations would not play the song. [*NOTE: Lake Shore Drive , was often [ even in the news] was referred to as: “The L.S.D.”]. 📻🙂

[@lanesmith2853]

I use 41 pretty much every day as a native of Valdosta. It’s a very important road for the city.

[@hmoobmeeka]

I use 41 a lot in Wisconsin

[@dansimon1100]

Route 66 is one of the most iconic roads out there which is still something that I want to do one of these days it's been on my bucket list for years but I never heard of route 41 but I have heard of Lake Shore Drive in Chicago

[@TooMuchShantae69]

before i started the video i thought u were going to talk about the dixie hwy. not sure if u did a video on it or not but id love a video on dixie hwy.

[@saltyroe3179]

Used to take US41 north of Chicago to avoid tolls