In the 1830s, when paved roads became more and more of a necessity, Lyman Dillon was hired to start the job. At the time, some members of Congress were reluctant to pass a bill to allow roadway improvements. However, supporters won over the opposition when they referred to the roadways as “military roads” in their proposals. Improved conditions would aid soldiers in transporting their supplies across the state. R.C. Tilghman, the town mayor, surveyed the terrain and hired Dillon to plow a furrow along the designated route. This 86-mile trek would run from Dubuque to Iowa City.
In the fall of 1839, Dillon began the project and was paid $3 an hour. He used a team of 10 oxen to plow and had two horses pulling a supply wagon. Although in the end, the military never actually used to the road, it was very important in expanded eastern Iowa. The road was also an important piece of progress for several towns along its route.
Dillon later attended college in Utica, New York. He also had other jobs which included agriculture, water power and the railroad system. Dillon worked hard to move the progress and development of eastern Iowa forward.
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