Construction relied heavily on manual labor, with teams of workers leveling surfaces, placing rock, and grading roads. Steamrollers and rudimentary machinery were used where available, but most work was painstakingly slow. Despite these limitations, engineers and workers developed roads capable of supporting automobiles, wagons, and horse-drawn carriages.
Bridges were another critical aspect. Wooden trestles, sometimes reinforced with steel, allowed roads to cross rivers and streams. By 1915, engineers were experimenting with reinforced concrete for longer-term durability, setting the stage for more permanent highway networks.
Tourism and the Road Network
Tourism was a major driver of road development. By 1915, Florida’s warm climate, beaches, and springs were attracting visitors from the North. Automobile tourism allowed travelers to bypass railroads, exploring regions previously difficult to access.
Hotels, resorts, and boarding houses promoted routes leading to their establishments, often distributing maps showing the “best roads” for automobiles. Automobile clubs such as the Florida Automobile Club published guides and advocated for road improvements, further linking tourism and infrastructure.
Roads were not just practical; they were marketing tools. A smooth, scenic route could entice visitors to spend more time—and money—in Florida, benefiting local economies and reinforcing the state’s identity as a winter paradise. shutdown123