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Transportation

During the 1950s, great strides in technology were made across the nation. Those technologies had dramatic effects on everyday lives. 

World War II was an important factor in the expansion of transportation systems in the United States. General Dwight Eisenhower had been impressed by Germany’s “autobahn” – a system of large, multi-lane roads for the quick movement of troops. 

As president during the 1950s, Eisenhower called for the construction of the system with nationwide standards, and Congress approved the funding. Federal funds were to -cover- 90 percent of the construction budget.

Tennessee began work on its interstate system soon afterwards. Over the next 20 years, I-40, I-65, and I-24 connected the state from end to end. 

Some cities constructed interstate loops to help travelers avoid heavy traffic going into downtown areas. Unfortunately, many inner city areas became more isolated as interstates went through their neighborhoods. 

Read how an African American community fought and lost a battle over an interstate’s location.

In addition, traffic congestion actually increased, and traditional transportation systems, like the railroad, declined in favor of trucking. 

Truck transportation led to a tremendous increase in the availability of consumer goods.  With the help of truck transportation, products like soft drinks were carried directly to Tennessee consumers. 

The interstate system did serve to connect the four corners of the state. It also boosted the travel industry. Tourist attractions such as the Smoky Mountains National Park saw great increases in attendance as people could get there faster on the interstate system.

In addition, new transportation-related businesses developed. Memphis’s Federal Express, (now known as FedEx) opened in 1973, was one of many new companies to take advantage of advances in highway transportation.

Companies like FedEx also benefited from innovations in the airline industry after the war. Tennessee cities began modernizing their airports in the mid-1950s to accommodate the new passenger jet. 

• Photograph of Interstate Highway System sign, notifying Tennesseans of the I-40 project. Tennessee Department of Transportation, Construction Department

• Photograph of “Earth movers” preparing for I-40 construction. Tennessee Department of Transportation, Construction Department

• Photograph of I-40 bridge over the Harpeth River. These workers are installing pilings to support the bridge. Tennessee Department of Transportation, Construction Department

• Automobiles and new highways allowed Tennesseans to travel more on vacations.  This photograph, taken in the late 1940s or early 1950s, shows cars parked at the Great Smoky Mountains Park as people look at the view.  Photograph courtesy of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park

• Photograph of Benjamin Canup making a home delivery of milk in a French Broad Dairy Truck in Knoxville in 1946.  In the 1940s and 1950s, many people paid for home delivery of fresh milk.  Image 200-014-001, C.M. McClung Historical Collection, Knox County Public Library