Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
DRAGGED ROAD
DRAGGED ROAD. The "dragged road" idea originated with J. W. Eichlinger, news editor of the Des Moines Capital. Drags made of two 6'x8' timbers fastened by three cleats nailed across the top were pulled behind tractors, horses, or cars to create the road. The cost of building the road and maintaining it the first year was estimated at three dollars per mile. The first dragged road was constructed in five months between Council Bluffs and Davenport. (1)
Dubuque motorists in March 1910 were thrilled to find that a "dragged road" known as the "river to river automobile route" would be established between Dubuque and Sioux City. This road would follow the path of the ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD. (2)
In addition to the cities along the route that could offer car repairs, food, and lodging, the farmers looked upon the road as a great idea. It would "become a highway for travel during six to eight months in the year and give better facilities for getting their produce to market." (3)
It was proposed that each county take up the work and map out a good east and west route across the country and then have the route systematically dragged. It was anticipated that "side route radiating from the main line will eventually follow." (4)
This dragged road was called the HAWKEYE HIGHWAY by August 24, 1910. Other names that had been suggested included "The Soo Trail," "Parrott Pike," "The Waterloo Way," and "The Roosevelt." (5)
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Source:
1. De Krafft, Stewart Ives, "Dragging a Road Across Iowa," Harper's Weekly, New York: Harper & Bros., July 2, 1910, p. 19. Online: http://books.google.com/books?id=Y4Y-AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA19-IA20&lpg=PA19-IA20&dq=DRAGGED+ROAD+%28IOWA%29&source=bl&ots=fk8LTdyp1F&sig=VaADXZo1g8PuCyH5jle04hwklYY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=7DJ6VI2rBcagNpWyg8AB&ved=0CCcQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=DRAGGED%20ROAD%20%28IOWA%29&f=false
2. "Dubuque Autoists Are Enthusiastic," Telegraph Herald, March 23, 1910, p. 7
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. "Pathfinders Reach Dubuque," Telegraph Herald, August 24, 1910, p. 3