Governor ceremonially signs measure designating the historic Jefferson Highway Route

The governor recently held a ceremonial signing for Senate Bill 8, which designates the route that largely follows State Highway 69 as the “Historic Jefferson Highway Route.” In attendance was Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, principal author for the measure and strong advocate for the highway.

“History buffs from across the nation love to travel old highways with a story to tell, and designating parts of State Highway 69 as the Historic Jefferson Highway will be one more way we can attract tourists to our great state,” Bergstrom said. “The economic boost this route will provide to our small towns, local restaurants and shops will be greatly welcomed as we work to rebound economically from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Jefferson Highway was named after the third president of the United States – Thomas Jefferson. The highway is the oldest to pass through the state, surpassing Route 66 by nearly a decade. Originally established in 1915, the route ran from Winnipeg, Canada, to New Orleans, and spanned from the Kansas to Texas borders in the northeastern part of Oklahoma.

The entire historic route has been reidentified by the Jefferson Highway Association, including the portion of the highway that cuts through the state. Under the measure, costs associated with signage for the highway may be privately funded, and permanent markers will be designed in consultation with the Jefferson Highway Association.

The measure will go into effect on Nov. 1.