The world's first paved road was built in 1909 in Detroit, Michigan , USA. This marked a turning point in the history of transportation, as until then most streets were dirt or cobblestone, making travel uncomfortable and dangerous. The chosen stretch was the famous Woodward Avenue, which became a symbol of modernization and urban progress.
This progress was driven by the city's automotive Henry Ford and other visionaries who needed safer and more efficient ways to test and market the vehicles that were beginning mass production. Thanks to this innovation, Detroit solidified its position as the automotive capital of the world and the epicenter of an unprecedented cultural and economic transformation.
Asphalt paving not only transformed mobility but also boosted tourism and the local economy. With more reliable roads, car travel became more accessible and appealing, giving rise to the road trip culture that remains a part of American identity today. This first paved stretch of road paved the way for the expansion of modern highways worldwide.
Source: https://www.diariodelviajero.com/america/la-primer-carretera-asfaltada-del-mundo
