Freedom of the American Road (Part II)

A CLOSER LOOK

The Prelinger collection preserves ephemeral films that document everyday life, instruction, commerce, and popular culture. This entry is cataloged as Freedom of the American Road (Part II).

Henry Ford II introduces this film designed to encourage private citizens to unite and support road improvement. Part of the lobbying campaign that culminated in legislation authorizing the Interstate Highway system in 1956, this film shows community efforts to improve and increase safety on the Bayshore Highway in the San Francisco Bay Area; congestion in Pittsburgh and the Golden Triangle redevelopment area; the economic benefits of Boston's circumferential highway, Route 128; and safety education in St. Joseph, Missouri. Narrator: Westbrook van Voorhis.

Watch the film here, then open the archive record for its full description and file details.