17 hours ago
- The longest numbered U.S. highway, Route 20 (3,254 miles), lacks celebration at its endpoints, unlike ancient Roman boundary markers.
- The word 'terminus' originates from the Roman god Terminus, who protected boundaries with religious ceremonies and festivals on February 23.
- Roman king Numa Pompilius established Terminus worship to promote peace, with bloodless sacrifices initially, later including animals.
- Notable U.S. termini include Route 66's Santa Monica pier, Route 1's Key West, Lincoln Highway's Times Square, and controversial Jefferson Davis Highway.
- Atlanta was originally called 'Terminus' as a rail endpoint, and its Zero Mile Post commemorates this origin.
- U.S. Route 2 has four termini, three in the U.S. and one effectively requiring a Canadian detour, with little fanfare at its ends.
- Theodore Roosevelt International Highway was the precursor to U.S. Route 2, with a memorial obelisk in Montana.
- The author argues that long highways deserve more recognition than just a sign, suggesting modest celebrations akin to Roman traditions.