How the Planned Route of the Long Island Motor Parkway Changed from the Initial 1906 Plan
The original 1906 plan for the Motor Parkway was "a straightaway road of 65 or more miles that will extend from Floral Park through the center of Long Island to Riverhead." However, without the right of condemnation, the right-of-way was determined by landowners willing to accommodate the parkway organizers.
The Motor Parkway plan was published in the October 25, 1906 issue of "The Automobile".
The final 44-mile route of the Motor Parkway was significantly different from the original plan. This 1930 map shows all the curves and twists between Fresh Meadows, Queens and Lake Ronkonkoma.
The challenge to secure the right-of-way is evident by this 1905 survey of Central Park property owned by Herman Windhorst which included the future Deadman's Curve of the Motor Parkway.
Several of the sold lots need to be repurchased by the Motor Pakway.
Mapping courtesy of Frank Femenias.
Comments
How interesting…What an undertaking it was…