In Wisconsin, some people say we have two seasons: winter and road construction. Considering that the majority of our interstates were paved under Eisenhower in the 1950’s, it is about time they were updated. Although we complain about the potholes that seemingly form overnight, our roads are nowhere as bumpy and uneven as those of a century ago. Just as the interstate system aimed to connect states and commerce, roads in the 1850s sought to connect communities and commerce. Manitowoc businesses had experienced rapid growth and sought to continue that trend. The next logical step was to draw in additional customers and profit. Building roads that connected customers to the products would ensure continued growth.