The Federal Highway Administration has designated 180 miles of highway between Gettysburg, Pa., and Monticello, Va., a “National Scenic Byway,” a symbolic but potentially lucrative designation that could lead to millions in tourism development dollars for Maryland and Virginia.
Ninety-eight other strips in the United States already have gained the “scenic byway” tag, which was created by Congress in 1991 and recognizes classic American backroads — like Route 66 and the Las Vegas strip — that are experiences in and of themselves.
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The Gettysburg-Monticello routes were designated Friday because they cover hundreds of years of American history, from before the Revolution to the Civil War.
Officials liken the label to a Zagat rating, but it also gives states, counties and towns along the route a leg up in obtaining federal preservation grants. Earlier this year, the feds gave away more than $40 million in “scenic byway” grants.
It also can be a tourism boon in parts that otherwise wouldn’t get attention.
“Businesses have blossomed as a result of people taking those back roads that they wouldn’t have otherwise taken,” said Marc McQuaid, executive director of the Ohio Travel Association, whose state is home to three scenic byways.
The 10 Virginia and three Maryland counties along the “hallowed ground” corridor took in more than $3.6 billion in tourist cash last year. Officials are hoping to see that increase.
“Every local heritage site, national park, winery and Main Street community stands to benefit from this new national designation,” Virginia Tourism Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer Alisa Bailey said.
The roads covered by Friday’s designation include parts of U.S. 15, Va. 231, Va. 20 and Va. 53, known to most as the Old Carolina Road.
U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., hailed the “scenic” tag and predicted it would lead to “increased tourism and prestige” in the region.
The designation represents a victory for the “Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership” foundation, a local nonprofit group that has lobbied to make the region’s Revolutionary and Civil War past a centerpiece of local land use and development.
Group President Cate Magennis Wyatt said in a news release she was “thrilled” with the designation.
