The Importance of the Historic Jefferson Highway to Nevada, Missouri

A group gathered at the historic location of the once tourist camp on Jefferson Highway located on the 200 block of East Walnut in Nevada, Missouri. Photo by: Tim Bradshaw

By: Doug Harper

The Jefferson Highway, named after President Thomas Jefferson, is a significant part of the history and development of Nevada, Missouri. This highway, which was part of the National Auto Trail system, was built in the 1910s. It was marketed as the “Palm to Pine Highway”, referring to the differing trees one would find at either end of the route.

A Route of Historical Significance

The Jefferson Highway Association came into existence in 1915, and the initial routing was conceived between Winnipeg and New Orleans by 1916. The highway was an important thoroughfare for travelers heading north or south throughout the central United States and Canada. The term “highway” meant something very different a hundred years ago than it does today. A highway was an improved road, meaning anything from dirt to macadam to (in very rare cases) paving.

Significantly, the Jefferson Highway was the first international north-south highway. The novelty of a north-south highway in a continent known for westward trails wasn’t lost on its founders.

Impact on Nevada, Missouri

The Jefferson Highway has had a profound impact on Nevada, Missouri. As a part of the Interstate Trail Association, the highway route was a direct route between Fort Des Moines and Fort Leavenworth, making it a practical military road for the transportation of troops. It was also a valuable aid in developing the resources of the counties traversed, a better means of social and business communication, and a lasting benefit to the communities through which it passes.

Moreover, Nevada, Missouri was an important intersection at the Atlantic Pacific Highway, which was the first east-west national highway. This intersection made Nevada a crucial junction for travelers and contributed significantly to its growth and development.

In the early to mid-1920s, the route of the Jefferson Highway was changed to Osage Boulevard. This change brought new establishments onto the route, further enhancing its importance to the city.

The Highway Today

Today, significant sections of the original Jefferson Highway remain unpaved. However, the original Jefferson Highway doesn’t exist in all areas, having been replaced or bypassed by Interstate highways. On the other hand, the original JH became the basis for parts of the U.S. Highway System established in 1926.

Historical Sights and Places on the Historic Route in Nevada, Missouri

• Camp Clark: This site has a rich history dating back to World War II. It served as a prisoner-of-war camp housing German and Italian prisoners. Today, it serves as a training facility for the Missouri National Guard.

• Nevada Inn: A beautiful motel located on the section of Austin Blvd. that was once Jefferson Highway. It offers comfortable rooms and is in proximity to local attractions.

• Casa Azteca: Historically, Casa Azteca was not just a restaurant, but also a tavern and inn. Today, it is a popular Mexican restaurant located at 903 E Subway Blvd, Nevada, MO 64772. It offers a variety of delicious dishes and has options for takeout and dine-in.

• Historic Gas Station Building on Subway Blvd: This former Skelly station housed the Headline Design hair salon in 2010. In 2008, the building was in use as a sandwich shop and convenience store known as the Subway Chalet.

• White Grill: Located at 200 N Commercial St, Nevada, MO 64772, this popular burger restaurant offers a variety of delicious burgers and other dishes.

• Historic Tourist Camp across from Precision Coffee Co on Walnut: This was a place where travelers could camp. It was built by the Norman Company and could accommodate up to 50 cars. Today, Precision Coffee Company is a popular spot located at 224 E Walnut St, Nevada, MO 64772.

• Historic Town Square: The town square in Nevada, Missouri, has a rich history and several buildings dating from pre-Civil War times.

• County Courthouse: The Vernon County Courthouse is located at 100 W. Cherry St, Nevada, MO 64772. It’s one of the oldest courthouses in America.

• Jefferson Lines Bus Station Building (now CDL): After the route change to Osage Boulevard, the Jefferson Lines bus station building, now known as CDL, was added to the route.

• Eddie’s Auto: This establishment, located at 220 N Osage Blvd, Nevada, MO 64772, was a gas station during the time of the Jefferson Highway. Today, it is known as Eddie’s Auto and offers auto repair services.

In conclusion, the historic Jefferson Highway is not just a road that passes through Nevada, Missouri. It is a symbol of the city’s rich history and its role in the development of the central United States. It continues to be a testament to the progress and growth of Nevada, Missouri, and the entire region it traverses.