The experience, which Eisenhower later described as “a genuine adventure” left a lifelong impression on him. Thirty-seven years later, as President of the United States, Eisenhower signed into law the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, funding the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways which established more than 41,000 miles of superhighway.

National Archives, Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Abilene, Kansas [NLDDE-62-286-2]