Historic Military Motor Convoy in Hot Springs

Do you love history, the military, or both? Well then you're in luck, because the 95th anniversary of the 1920 Transcontinental Motor Convoy is arriving in Hot Springs tomorrow, September 30! The convoy will be made up of eighty-eight historic United States military vehicles, which are retracing the original 3,300-mile route from Washington, D.C. to San Diego, CA. This amazing display will only be in Hot Springs for a short time, so be sure not to miss it!

Nearly 100 years ago, Col. John F. Franklin led a convoy of military vehicles across the country on the newly-constructed Bankhead Highway. At the time, the U.S. Army sought to determine whether and to what extent motorized transport had a place within its operations. In hind sight, the answer was definitely yes! Col. Franklin's convoy set out on the 3,300-mile trip from Washington, D.C. to San Diego, CA on June 14, 1920 and arrived on October 2. While originally estimated to cover 45-60 miles each day, the final tally resulted in less than 30 miles per day due to frequent detours and local celebrations.

Just as with the original convoy, the 2015 version will be stopping in towns along its route to commemorate the historic event! Arriving on September 30, the convoy's members will enjoy a day of rest on October 1 before departing on October 2. The vehicles will be on public display in the mean time at the Church Street parking lot behind the Hot Springs Convention Center. Everyone is encouraged to stop by and take a look at these amazing vehicles, which will include motorcycles, jeeps, and cargo trucks.

Their full route will take the convoy through 11 states: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Don't miss out on your chance to show Arkansas' support!

To read the full news release, click here.