U.S. Route 50 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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The Interstate Highway System with US 50 in red
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| Route information | |
| Length | 3,017.197 mi (4,855.708 km) |
| Existed | 1926–present |
| Major junctions | |
| West end |  I-80 in West Sacramento, CA |
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| East end |  MD 528 in Ocean City, MD |
| Location | |
| States: | California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, District of Columbia, Maryland |
| Highway system | |
| United States Numbered Highways List • Bannered • Divided • Replaced |
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U.S. Route 50 (or US 50) is a very long road in the United States. It stretches from the west coast to the east coast. This famous highway is part of the U.S. Highway system. It travels over 3,000 miles (about 4,800 kilometers).
US 50 starts in West Sacramento, California, near Interstate 80. It ends all the way on the other side of the country. Its eastern end is in Ocean City, Maryland, right by the Atlantic Ocean. Even though newer Interstate highways were built later, US 50 is still a very important route.
Contents
Exploring U.S. Route 50
US 50 crosses 12 states and the District of Columbia. These states are California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. It's like a journey through many different parts of America!
The Western Adventure
In the western United States, US 50 goes through many rural areas. You will see lots of deserts and mountains. This part of the country is very open and wide.
The Loneliest Road in America
A special part of US 50 is in Nevada. It is known as "The Loneliest Road in America." This nickname comes from how few towns and people you see along this stretch. It's a great place to experience wide-open spaces.
Journey Through the Midwest
As US 50 moves into the Midwest, the scenery changes. Here, you will mostly see farms and flat lands. However, the road also passes through some bigger cities. These include Kansas City, Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri, and Cincinnati, Ohio.
Heading East
When US 50 reaches the eastern United States, it goes through the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia. These mountains are beautiful and offer great views. After that, the highway goes through Washington, D.C., the capital of the USA.
Finally, US 50 enters Maryland. In Maryland, it becomes a fast road that leads straight to Ocean City, Maryland. This is a popular beach town on the Atlantic coast. The total length of US 50 is about 3,017 miles.
Images for kids
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Mileage sign at the western end of US 50
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Saddle Mountain at sunrise, viewed from Skyline along US 50 in West Virginia
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Chesapeake Bay Bridge, carrying US 50/US 301 over the bay
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US 50 in the Nevada desert
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The Jefferson Barracks Bridge over the Mississippi River
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US 50 shield on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C.
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A "Loneliest Road in America" sign outside Austin, NV
