The Jefferson Highway was formed in 1915 as a major north and south highway running from Winnipeg to New Orleans and was named in honor of Thomas Jefferson for his role in the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. The Lincoln Highway, the first east coast to west coast highway, was formed in 1913. From this spot east to Colo, Iowa, is the only shared section of these two roads. As the means for crossing the country changed, so did the roads that carried travelers. Turning off of Lincoln Highway onto the Jefferson Highway and heading for the towns of Shipley and Elkhart, tourists would see the hustle and bustle of Main Street Nevada. At the crossroads of north, south, east, and west, Nevada was a progressive town and a hub for farmers, town folks, and tourists, as well as a lifeline for America's industry.