Wayne County's Lincoln Highway legacy

As the nation marks 250 years of American history in 2026, Wayne County’s stretch of the Lincoln Highway offers a link to a pivotal chapter in the country’s story: the rise of the automobile and the roads that connected communities from New York City to San Francisco.

The highway passed directly through the county, making the community part of what was once known as the “Main Street Across America.”

“This corridor is more than just a road; it’s part of how Americans began to experience their country in a new way,” said Wayne County Commissioner Dave McMillen. “During America 250, it’s a great reminder that our national heritage isn’t only found in famous landmarks. It’s also lives right here in the places people travel through, work in and build their lives.”

Long before the interstate system, the route carried early motorists, tourists and commercial traffic through Wayne County, helping shape travel, commerce and local development. Traces of the original road remain, including sections of historic brick pavement and older alignments preserved as local roads often bearing names such as Old Lincoln Way.

Wayne County’s segment of the route is now part of the Ohio Lincoln Highway Historic Byway. This designation recognizes both the road’s transportation legacy and its role in shaping local communities. As America 250 encourages communities to reflect on the nation’s past, the county’s surviving road segments, markers and alignments stand as visible links to the people, places and progress that helped shape modern America.

Find additional information about the historic Lincoln Highway at www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org. For additional information about America 250 celebrations in Ohio, visit america250-ohio.org.

Dan Starcher is the communications coordinator for Wayne County.