Jefferson Highway Uncovered

The City of Little Falls has engaged road crews in upgrading Lindbergh Drive North in the city. This road was part of what was the Jefferson Highway, a nationally designated highway that ran from New Orleans to Winnipeg.

During the destruction/excavation portion of the road work, the crew uncovered the original 1919 Jefferson Highway pavement, which had merely been covered over by later road improvements.

MCHS board member Camille Warzecha snapped some shots of the old Jefferson Highway. Here it is, uncovered, but intact:

Section of Jefferson Highway pavement revealed from underneath what is now Lindbergh Drive North, Little Falls, MN. Photo by Camille Warzech, August 24, 2009.
Section of Jefferson Highway pavement revealed from underneath what is now Lindbergh Drive North, Little Falls, MN. Photo by Camille Warzecha, August 24, 2009.

As the sewer is going to be replaced under this road, the old Jefferson Highway pavement had to be removed.

Jefferson Highway pavement being removed, Little Falls, MN. Photo by Camille Warzecha, August 24, 2009.
Jefferson Highway pavement being removed, Little Falls, MN. Photo by Camille Warzecha, August 24, 2009.

Camille and MCHS board member Pat Quinn were instrumental in getting a piece of this pavement for our collections. How sweet is that?

Thanks  to Camille, Pat, and the road crew for saving a piece of not only local, but national, history.

MCHS has made arrangements with the Morrison County Record to reprint several articles we produced about  the Jefferson Highway, so be sure to look for them in upcoming issues of the newspaper.

– Mary

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