Cruise 15 miles of U.S. Route 80 from Tallulah to Delta, Louisiana, passing through scenic bayous, rural farmland, and historic small towns before merging with I-20 to cross the Mississippi River.
U.S. Route 80
Explore the history and current route of U.S. Route 80, the famed Dixie Overland Highway, stretching from Dallas, Texas to Savannah, Georgia. Discover its role in the Civil Rights Movement and its enduring legacy across the southern U.S.
U.S. Route 80 (US 80) is a historic east–west highway that once stretched from the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, California, to the Atlantic coast in Savannah, Georgia. Established in 1926 as part of the original U.S. Highway System, US 80 was nicknamed the “Dixie Overland Highway” and served as a vital transcontinental route through the southern United States. Over the years, much of its original alignment has been bypassed or replaced by Interstate highways, particularly I-8, I-10, and I-20, but significant stretches of the route remain active and signed, especially through Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.
Today, the officially designated western terminus of US 80 is in Dallas, Texas. From there, the highway runs southeast through Shreveport and Monroe in Louisiana, Jackson and Meridian in Mississippi, Selma and Montgomery in Alabama, and finally to Savannah, Georgia, where it ends near the Atlantic coast. The route played a significant role in American history, especially during the Civil Rights Movement. The stretch between Selma and Montgomery is part of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, commemorating the 1965 marches for voting rights.
Despite its decommissioning in several western states, US 80 remains an important regional corridor and a symbol of America’s evolving transportation history. Modern travelers can still explore preserved segments and historic towns along the highway that offer a glimpse into its storied past. Many enthusiasts and preservation groups continue to celebrate US 80 for its cultural and historic importance, particularly as a scenic alternative to the faster interstates that now shadow much of its path.
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