Distinctly Montana Magazine

81 w w w. d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m must, it will be possible to drive from New York to California with- out seeing a single thing." Anyone who has casually driven along a quiet rural road any- where in Montana knows exactly what Steinbeck was writing about. And there are many travelers out there who have learned that there is much more to see when you leave the interstate and explore for yourself. Perhaps it is time to consider bringing back the Teddy. Sure, Montana has no shortage of tourists anymore, but the old Roosevelt Highway cuts through a part of the state that might benefit most from a few more cars and campers driv- ing down its roads. Roads no longer need to be built and routes no longer need to be made. All that is needed is a commitment from communities, states and Americans to remember the Teddy and put up some signs along the highway. By coaxing neighboring states to do the same, it might not take long to recreate the Theodore Roos- evelt International Highway and create more economy in a place that could use some. Especially in eastern Montana, where state parks are decidedly few and far between, the recognition and promotion of U.S. Highway 2 as a historic route might be benefi- cial to those communities along the route. The use of the name "Theodore Roosevelt International High- way" subsided after the U.S. Highway System was approved in late 1926. People still called it the Roosevelt Highway for many years, however, and its impact on Montana was profound. Large stretches of what we now know as U.S. Highway 2 today might never have been built if it had not been for the Roosevelt High- way. And the Marias Pass for automobiles might not have ever been completed if the Roosevelt Highway had not tempted state and local officials with promises of great commerce and oppor- tunity. Not only did the highway contribute to the growth of businesses along its route, it also fostered economic opportuni- ties for towns and cities that were previously isolated. And, per- haps more importantly, the route became a symbol of America's commitment to connecting its diverse landscapes and fostering cooperation between states. Perhaps it's time to do something like this again. There are many travelers out there WHO HAVE LEARNED THAT THERE IS MUCH MORE TO SEE WHEN YOU LEAVE THE INTERSTATE AND EXPLORE FOR YOURSELF.

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