DavisToday

DAVIS HISTORY

When the Lincoln Highway ran through Davis

The early transcontinental Lincoln Highway passed through Davis on its route between the Sierra and the Bay Area; markers remain in town.

Before Interstate 80, the Lincoln Highway carried long-distance travelers through Davis. The pioneering transcontinental road, later associated with U.S. 40, passed through town on its way between the Sierra and Bay Area. Historic route markers remain in Central Park and along Russell Boulevard.

1910s–1920sThe Lincoln Highway route passes through Davis.
TodayHistoric route markers still survive in town.
Period1910s–1920s
EvidenceDocumented
Last checked2026-08-18
SourceCity of Davis — Historic Pedestrian and Bike Tour
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The old Avenue of the Trees on Russell BoulevardBlack walnut trees planted from the 1870s into 1880 shaded a stretch west of town that later became part of the Lincoln Highway corridor.Why the Richards underpass was called the Davis SubwayThe Richards Boulevard underpass was built in 1917 and was historically known as the Davis Subway; it carried an early state highway beneath the railroad.Why there is a log cabin near downtown DavisThe Boy Scout Cabin was built in 1927 by Davis Rotary Club members using telephone-pole logs donated by PG&E.Davis public art mapThe City publishes public-art resources and a pocket map organized by area, with public art listings plus bike paths, parks and art institutions.Follies2025 student-designed gathering structures celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Davis Farmers Market. Installations include downtown locations near Hunt-Boyer and the Amtrak station.Fiat LuxNicole Beck’s 2024 stainless-steel and dichroic-glass work honoring the life of Karim Abou Najm.