The map that made Colorado angry

Above is an excerpt from the government’s 1947 plan to build the US Interstates. The map closely approximates the highways as they were actually built years later... with one major exception. This map has no interstate heading west from Denver. It’s not a mistake. In 1947, most highway engineers couldn’t imagine building a freeway west from Denver, because that’s where the Rocky Mountains begin. Back then (and now) roads were built around mountains... or through mountain passes. But west of Denver, the Rockies present a massive wall-like front. An Interstate would be ridiculously expensive and complicated to build. Case closed, right? 

Nope. When Colorado lawmakers saw the map, the went apoplectic. To them, extending I-70 west of Denver was a key to economic growth. Mountain highways mean ski resorts, and ski resorts make lots of money. After the tantrum, Colorado’s politicians got their way—I-70 was built, and America got better access to Vail.
(You can see the full 1947 map here and the updated plan here)


  1. Looks like a few West Texas oilmen raised hell at some point as well...the eventual plan includes a spur that puts Lubbock, Texas in your rear view mirror.

  2. Ahhh, happiness!

    A wise man once said "I thought happiness was Lubbock, Texas in a rear view mirror."

    Mac Davis admitted that he may have been too judgmental but it was hard or him to be humble in owning up to his mistake. Considering himself perfect, his own imperfections were unacceptable.