On the Road

From the grinding rims of the covered wagon, via the gleaming tracks of the railroad to the glittering chrome of Detroit's finest, it is mobility that has created the unique character and culture of the United States. American highways do not follow the footsteps of imperial armies, or foreign traders and explorers; they have been created by Americans for Americans. Their names make our hearts quicken and our feet itch, Daniel Boone, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The uniquely American road lifestyle has been created by the need to provide food and lodging for the highway traveler, and fuel for his car. Competition for the passing trade has raised the diner, motel and humble gas station to the level of art form, celebrated by artists and architects from Norman Rockwell and Edward Hopper to Frank Lloyd Wright.