"In order to construct a paved highway across America it was necessary to enlist nationwide, public support for the first coast-to-coast roadway.  It was decided the highway would be dedicated to the martyred President Abraham Lincoln.  Naming this route the Lincoln Highway appealed to American patriotism and forged a united crusade among distinct groups for the cause of improved roads.  As stated in the official Proclamation of the Route of the Lincoln Highway..."Resolved.  That the Lincoln Highway now is and henceforth shall be an existing memorial in tribute to the immortal Abraham Lincoln."