U.S. Route 281 is a north-south United States Numbered Highway that stretches a significant distance through the central part of the country. Here's a breakdown of what you should know about it:
* Route: It runs from Brownsville, near the Mexican border in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, all the way north to the Canadian border at the International Peace Garden near Dunseith, North Dakota, where it continues as Highway 10.
* Length: At approximately 1,875 miles (3,018 km), it holds the distinction of being the longest continuous three-digit U.S. Route.
* States Traversed: U.S. 281 passes through six states: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
* Major Cities and Points of Interest: While it doesn't directly serve as many large metropolitan areas as some Interstate highways, it connects several notable cities and towns, including:
* Texas: Brownsville, San Antonio (briefly concurrent with I-37 as a business route), Stephenville, Mineral Wells, Jacksboro, Wichita Falls (concurrent with I-44).
* Oklahoma: Enid.
* Kansas: Pratt, Great Bend, Russell. The route passes through the geographical center of the contiguous 48 states near Lebanon, Kansas.
* Nebraska: Grand Island (intersects I-80), O'Neill.
* North Dakota: Jamestown, Carrington, Dunseith (International Peace Garden).
* Significance: U.S. 281 serves as a vital north-south corridor through the central plains, connecting agricultural regions and smaller communities. It's often used as an alternative to the busier Interstate 35 to the east. In Texas, it's considered a major south-north corridor.
* Historical Note: Parts of the original Military Telegraph Road were incorporated into the US-281 route. It's considered a "child" route of U.S. 81.
If your travels take you through the central United States, U.S. Route 281 offers a journey through the heartland of America.
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