General Inquiries
Where does the Meridian Highway run across Texas?
When was the Meridian Highway built?
What types of historic resources are associated with the Meridian Highway?
What is the Meridian Highway project?
Who funded the Meridian Highway Project?
Q: Where does the Meridian Highway run across Texas?
A: The roadway extended from Canada to Mexico. Its path crossed approximately 900 miles of Texas, passing through Burkburnett, Wichita Falls, Bowie, Fort Worth, Cleburne, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, and Laredo among other communities, and roughly following IH-35 (W). A major lateral, called the Gulf Division, was routed from Waco to Galveston, passing through Marlin, Bryan, Hempstead, and Houston. (Texas Meridian Highway map)
Q: When was the Meridian Highway built?
A: The Meridian Highway's beginnings can be traced back to 1911 when the Meridian Highway Association was organized to promote the highway's development.
Q: What types of historic resources are associated with the Meridian Highway?
A: Associated historic resources include auto repair garages, gas stations, diners, tourist courts, auto courts, motels and hotels, road markers, paving, traffic signs, and bridges.
Q: What is the Meridian Highway project?
A: The Texas Historical Commission (THC) undertook a two-year study to document the history of this nationally important roadway. The project resulted in a history of the Texas section of the Meridian Highway, and also surveyed the Texas Meridian route and associated historic resources including auto repair garages, gas stations, diners, tourist camps, auto courts, motels, road markers, paving, traffic signs, and bridges.
Q: Who funded the Meridian Highway project?
A: The project was funded by the Texas Legislature and the Texas Department of Transportatin (TxDOT) through the Transportation Enhancement Program provided by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration.
