Jefferson Highway Association

"The Jefferson Highway Association, named after Thomas Jefferson, was formed in 1915 to build a highway from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana, in the United States. The highway was the idea of Edwin T. Meredith (of Iowa), publisher of Successful Farming and Better Homes and Gardens and later Secretary of Agriculture under President Woodrow Wilson, who thought the highway would be economically beneficial to the region's farmers.

In November of 1915 a meeting was held with representatives from all the Louisiana Purchase states to organize an association for the purpose of constructing an international highway from Winnipeg in Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. This convention was also held to determine the route of the new highway." *

Then flash forward to March of 2011. Thanks to the hard work of the late Mike Conlin, interested individuals met in Lee's Summit, Missouri, to discuss the re-birth of the Jefferson Highway Association. They wrote the current by-laws and elected the first executive board of officers at this meeting. Since that auspicious day in 2011, there have been annual conferences held in different cities along the route of the Jefferson Highway. 

2023 Conference - Mason City Iowa

2022 Pittsburg KS Photos

2019 Natchitoches LA Photos

We want to welcome you to the new Jefferson Highway Association!

Follow our videos and podcasts to learn more. Over 40+ available as of March 03, 2023.

Big Blend Jefferson Highway Podcast Series (click on From the Series button once at You Tube)

Thank you for visiting our page and please consider joining the JHA. This is your opportunity to contribute to the knowledge and fun as we bring life back to this historic highway. Be sure to follow us on Facebook.

* Text courtesy of the Pittsburg State University Libraries Digital Collection, Pittsburg, Kansas