U.S. Route 59 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Route information | |
| Length | 1,911 mi (3,075 km) |
| Existed | 1934–present |
| Major junctions | |
| South end |  Fed. 85D at Mexico–US border in Laredo, TX |
|
|
| North end |  PTH 59 at Canada–US border near Lancaster, MN |
| Location | |
| States: | Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota |
| Highway system | |
| United States Numbered Highways List • Bannered • Divided • Replaced |
|
U.S. Route 59 (or US 59) is a long road that runs from north to south in the United States. It is a type of interstate highway, which means it helps connect different states. For most of its journey, it runs close to another road called U.S. Route 75, usually less than 100 miles (160 km) away.
This highway starts way up north, about 9 miles (14 km) from Lancaster, Minnesota. This is right at the border with Canada. From there, the road continues into Canada as Manitoba Highway 59. Its southern end is in Laredo, Texas, at the border with Mexico. In Mexico, it becomes Mexican Federal Highway 85D.
Contents
About U.S. Route 59
US 59 was officially created in 1934. It stretches for about 1,911 miles (3,075 km) across the country. This makes it one of the longer U.S. Routes. It connects many different towns and cities, helping people and goods travel across the central United States.
Where Does US 59 Go?
US 59 travels through seven different states. It starts in the warm south and goes all the way to the cooler north.
- Texas: The journey begins in Laredo, Texas, right at the Mexican border. It passes through big cities like Houston and Marshall. In Texas, parts of US 59 are also known as the Lloyd Bentsen Highway. This name honors Lloyd Bentsen, a U.S. senator and a candidate for Vice President in 1988.
- Arkansas: After Texas, US 59 enters Arkansas. It goes through towns like Texarkana and De Queen.
- Oklahoma: Next, the highway crosses into Oklahoma. Here, it passes through places like Sallisaw and Poteau.
- Kansas: In Kansas, US 59 goes through cities such as Ottawa and Lawrence. Some parts of the road here have been made into a modern freeway.
- Missouri: The road then enters Missouri, passing through St. Joseph.
- Iowa: In Iowa, US 59 connects towns like Denison and Avoca.
- Minnesota: Finally, US 59 reaches Minnesota. It goes through cities like Worthington and Detroit Lakes before ending at the Canadian border near Lancaster.
Important Connections Along the Way
Along its long path, US 59 connects with many other important roads. These include major interstate highways that cross the country.
- In Texas, US 59 meets I-35, I-45, and I-10 in Houston. It also connects with I-20 near Marshall and I-30 near Texarkana.
- In Oklahoma, it crosses I-40 in Sallisaw.
- In Kansas, US 59 connects with I-35 in Ottawa and I-70 in Lawrence.
- In Iowa, it meets I-80 near Avoca.
- In Minnesota, US 59 crosses I-90 in Worthington and I-94 near Fergus Falls.
These connections help drivers travel easily between different parts of the United States and even into Canada and Mexico.
Images for kids
-
Downtown Houston skyline along U.S. Route 59
-
The newly upgraded U.S. Route 59 freeway between Ottawa, Kansas, and Lawrence, Kansas
-
US 59 and State Highway 10 in Welch, Oklahoma
-
In Texas, U.S. Route 59 is known as the Lloyd Bentsen Highway for the U.S. senator (1971-1993) and the Democratic vice-presidential nominee (1988).
