Malta

Malta was the site of the Lincoln Highway’s first Seedling Mile of paved highway. Chosen strategically, it demonstrated the need for better roads by showing the stark contrast between travel on concrete and travel through mud. From concept to completion, the project was finished in just 14 months with private donations and state-provided equipment and engineers. Only 10 feet wide and designed to show that pavement could withstand traffic 20 years into the future, the first Seedling Mile was completed with much celebration in November 1914.

Malta, Illinois · United States