U.S. Route 50: The Loneliest Road in America

U.S. Route 50, also known as Highway 50, is a major east-west route of the U.S. Highway system, spanning over 3,000 miles (4,800 km) from Sacramento, California, to Ocean City, Maryland. Traversing the very core of the nation, Route 50 serves as a backbone connecting diverse landscapes and vibrant communities across 12 states: California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland.

• Length: 3,019 miles (4,859 km)
• Established: 1926
• Western Terminus: West Sacramento, California
• Eastern Terminus: Ocean City, Maryland
• States Traversed: 12 (California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland)

A Historic Highway

Established in 1926 as part of the nation’s primary highway network, Route 50 initially stretched from Wadsworth, Nevada, to Annapolis, Maryland. The final plan, finalized in 1926, extended the route from Sacramento, California, to the eastern edge of Annapolis, with a temporary detour through northern Utah via Salt Lake City before rejoining U.S. Route 6 in the 1950s.

In the 1930s, Route 50 was extended westward from Sacramento to San Francisco, replacing U.S. Route 48. This extension was reversed in 1964 when Interstate 580 replaced much of the route between the two cities. Additionally, Route 50 was extended eastward from Annapolis to Ocean City in 1949, superseding a portion of U.S. Route 213.

Route 50 offers a unique cross-country adventure, traversing a tapestry of landscapes and terrains that define the American experience. From the rugged mountains and arid deserts of the western states to the rolling hills and lush farmlands of the Midwest, the route unveils the nation’s natural beauty and rich heritage.

U.S. Route 50, the Loneliest Road in America

A particularly notable section of Route 50 is the stretch that cuts through the vast expanse of Nevada, earning it the moniker “The Loneliest Road in America.” This desolate yet captivating landscape offers a sense of solitude and tranquility, providing a stark contrast to the bustling cities and vibrant towns along the route.

A Route Through Vibrant Communities

While Route 50 may traverse remote areas, it also connects a multitude of diverse communities, each with its own unique character and charm. From the bustling metropolises like Kansas City, St. Louis, and Cincinnati to the quaint towns and historic villages that dot the route, Route 50 offers a glimpse into the heart of American life.

A Journey Through Time

Route 50 stands as a testament to the nation’s transportation history, having evolved alongside the country’s growth and development. From its humble beginnings as a dirt road to its current status as a major highway, Route 50 has witnessed the transformation of America and continues to serve as a vital artery connecting its people and places.

Route 50 beckons adventurers and road trip enthusiasts, inviting them to embark on a journey of discovery through the heart of America. From exploring the natural wonders of the West to immersing oneself in the cultural tapestry of the Midwest and East, Route 50 promises an unforgettable travel experience.

Additional Notes of the U.S. Route 50

• Signs at each end of the route indicate a length of 3,073 miles (4,946 km), but the actual distance is slightly shorter due to minor route adjustments over time.
• The original route plan from 1925 envisioned a path from Wadsworth, Nevada, to Annapolis, Maryland. The final 1926 plan extended it from Sacramento, California, to east of Annapolis, with a gap in western Utah that was bridged by routing the highway north through Salt Lake City before rejoining U.S. Route 6 in the 1950s.
• U.S. Route 50 was extended westward from Sacramento to San Francisco in the 1930s, replacing U.S. Route 48. This was reversed in 1964 when Interstate 580 replaced most of the route between the two cities.
• U.S. Route 50 was also extended eastward from Annapolis to Ocean City in 1949, replacing a portion of U.S. Route 213.
• U.S. Route 50 once had two divided configurations, U.S. Route 50N and U.S. Route 50S, in Kansas and Ohio/West Virginia, respectively. Both have since been eliminated.
• U.S. Route 50 stands as a testament to America’s rich transportation history and the enduring allure of the open road. It continues to captivate travelers seeking a journey through the country’s diverse landscapes and the heart of its communities.

Header picture: Mobili