The National System of Interstate and Defense Highways

Better Roads for a Greater America…

This interesting bit of mid-century corporate propaganda was designed in 1957 by the General Drafting Company of Convent Station, New Jersey. It was issued by the Portland Cement Association of Chicago to promote the recently enacted legislation that enabled the construction of the U.S. Interstate Highway System. As one of the nation’s foremost concrete manufacturers and distributors, Portland Cement had a strong incentive to encourage a positive public reception to the massive and costly infrastructure project.

The proposed network of interstates (Highways of Tomorrow) is highlighted with dark gray lines, connecting the vast majority of America’s urban centers from coast to coast. Toll roads are darkened and concentrated mostly in the Northeast. Captioned photographs on the verso showcase the various ways in which Portland Cement is advancing the lives of all Americans, both rural and city dwellers.