Journeying along one of America's longest highways presents a cross-country excursion filled with historic landmarks.
Exploring the Grand Army of the Republic Highway: A Journey Along Route 6
U.S. Route 6, also known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, is a historic cross-country highway that stretches from Provincetown, Massachusetts, all the way to Bishop, California. This iconic road, proposed in 1925 as part of the first nationwide numbered highway system, offers a captivating journey through diverse landscapes and Americana.
The highway's origin can be traced back to the 1925 Joint Board on Interstate Highways proposal, which identified Route 6 as a coast-to-coast route covering approximately 3,000 miles. Initially, it started in Provincetown and passed through New Bedford, Fall River, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania.
In Massachusetts, Route 6 is particularly noteworthy for its scenic coastal route, Route 6A, also known as Old King’s Highway. This 62-mile stretch from Sandwich to Provincetown features quintessential New England villages such as Barnstable, Dennis, and Brewster, alongside cranberry bogs, salt marshes, lighthouses, art galleries, and whale-watching areas. Provincetown itself, at the very tip, is an artsy, walkable town famous for its seafood and vibrant culture.
After crossing the Cape Cod Canal, the highway continues westward through Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York, eventually leading toward Pennsylvania as part of its transcontinental stretch.
Route 6 historically served as one of the longest transcontinental highways, rivaling U.S. Route 20 in length and importance. It was originally a major corridor connecting the East Coast’s maritime communities to the western frontier and continues to be recognized for its historical significance and scenic diversity.
The route is still discernible despite being built piecemeal with links constructed as needed to connect long-established regional roadways. Major's Place in Nevada is an example of this, an unincorporated community with an old-time gas station turned eclectic bar and gathering place.
As you travel along Route 6, you'll encounter a variety of landscapes, from historic villages and coastal towns to arid deserts, rugged mountains, expansive plains, and towering forests. In Peekskill, New York, visitors can find local shops, galleries, and restaurants on the banks of the Hudson River. Ashland, Nebraska, is an artsy community that was once a major crossroads for the Ox-Bow Trail.
In Pennsylvania, Route 6 is the only state that actively promotes the highway, offering suggested itineraries for travel. The Mark Twain House in Hartford, Connecticut, is a literary landmark, and the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, is an AZA-accredited zoo that opened in 1872.
The journey along Route 6 provides a comfortable pace with plenty of time to explore sites of interest and still leave a cushion for last-minute detours. The Old-Fashioned National Geographic Road Atlas can be a useful tool for long-distance road trips, especially in areas with limited cell service.
Whether you're an aspiring paleontologist dreaming of the fossil bed at Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry in Utah or a literature enthusiast eager to visit the Mark Twain House, Route 6 offers a unique and unforgettable journey across America.
- Travel guides might suggest visiting Peekskill, New York, along Route 6, where you can explore local shops, galleries, and restaurants nestled by the Hudson River.
- For fashion and beauty enthusiasts, Ashland, Nebraska, offers a unique shopping experience as it was once a major crossroads for the Ox-Bow Trail.
- Foodies and connoisseurs of drink might find delight in exploring the scenic coastal towns of Massachusetts along Route 6A, where they can sample fresh seafood and vibrant culinary offerings.
