CHARLESTON, Tenn. — The “Concrete Highway,” one of the last untouched sections of the original U.S. Highway 11, officially joined the National Register of Historic Places over the weekend.
The unveiling of new U.S. 11 signs along what is also Charleston’s Market Street took place Saturday during the 50th anniversary celebration of the first movie filmed in Tennessee, “Wild River.”
Larry Williams, from the Horseless Carriage Association, said the highway has stood the test of time.
“I know it’s hard to get excited about an old piece of concrete,” Mr. Williams said. “But let’s remember, it’s a path that enriched our lives and carried our burdens.”
“From these humble beginnings came the interstates, themselves now 50 years old,” Mr. Williams said. “It’s hard to imagine that this quiet lane was once the grandest road around, the high-tech interstate of its time.”
Charleston Mayor Walter Goode said the highway connected Chattanooga to Bristol through East Tennessee.
“Communities along good roads were certain to have a boost in their economy and development,” he said. “That’s still true today.”
Mr. Goode, Mr. Williams and City Commissioners Larry Anderson and Donna McDermit unveiled the new street signs purchased by the city of Charleston.
The unveiling was just one of many events marking the historic 1960 movie about the early days of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Many locals worked on the project.
Many people gathered to watch and to admire a fleet of vintage cars parked along the concrete surface.
Hundreds dodged rain showers to hear the music, taste the funnel cakes, collect autographs and make friends.
Faye Callaway, president of the Charleston/Calhoun/Hiwassee Historical Society, said the river region of Bradley and McMinn counties plan to make Wild River Days an annual event.
“Don’t let this be your last visit,” Mr. Goode urged the people. “We plan to have a lot more going on here.”
HIGHWAY HISTORY
* 1913: Chattanooga/Athens/Knoxville Highway Association proposes a concrete highway.
* 1914: Chattanooga Automobile Club, sponsored by the Dixie Highway Association, proposes a highway from Chicago to Tampa Bay.
* 1915: Bradley County Good Roads Club founded by businessman George Hardwick.
* 1922: Federal funds became available for Chattanooga/Charleston link.
* 1927: Chattanooga/Charleston segment completed.
* 1940: U.S. Highway 11 rerouted through Charleston.
Source: Larry Anderson, Horseless Carriage Association
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