The Jefferson Highway was started around 1915 as part of the National Auto Trail system. It was nicknamed the “Pines to Palms” highway because it stretched from the pine trees of Canada to the palm trees of New Orleans. Named for President Thomas Jefferson, the highway was inspired by the east-west Lincoln Highway, one of the earliest transcontinental highways for automobiles to access the United States.
The earliest record of the Jefferson Highway in Lamar was mentioned in an article dated November 11, 1915, “Lamar Is Putting Her Shoulder to the Road,” which talks about the highway and the benefits of it coming through Barton County. Early records indicate the Jefferson Highway came through Lamar from the north in three different ways throughout the years. The route along the Jefferson Highway was marked, first with just a simple JH logo painted on telephone poles. Later, stenciled signs were used, and eventually, porcelain signs. The historical society has uncovered photos that show the JH markings on the telephone poles. One was on the Southeast corner of 9th and Gulf. This would have been right in front of the Commercial Hotel.
In the late 1920s, the Jefferson Highway was replaced with the new numbered US Highway system and was bypassed by the new interstates that criss-crossed the country. The historic Jefferson Highway, which is over a decade older than Route 66, is trying to make a comeback. It is still known as the Jefferson in parts of Minnesota, Kansas City, and especially in the New Orleans area. ~ Joe Davis Barton County Historical Society
Learn more about the Jefferson Highway in Lamar and Barton County, visit the Barton County historical society, in the basement of the Barton County Courthouse. Hours are Monday-Friday, 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
1004 Gulf St
Lamar, MO 64759
417-682-4141
The Jefferson Highway