State Route

The American Automobile Association (AAA) formed in 1902, printing maps, placing road signs, and planning trips into the countryside. The Trail Association, a group of motor travel enthusiasts, unofficially named roads and placed signs. There were no standards, though, for signage. The Federal Highway Aid Act of 1921 allotted money for the construction of and improvement of federal highways, and the U.S. Route system was born. In 1924, the unofficial highway names were replaced with the standard U.S. route numbers used today. Odd numbered roads run north-south and even numbered roads run east-west. Odd numbered routes are laid out numerically from the East Coast to the West Coast, and even numbered routes are laid out numerically north to south.

The new numbering system required a new set of standardized signs. U.S. route signs were given the black and white design still used today. As well, speed limit signs and other traffic signs were standardized for highway safety in 1926.

Shortly thereafter, Vermont began establishing official State Routes. The original signs featured white rectangular background with the state name and route number in black lettering seen below.

In 1948, the signs below were issued. The state name was removed and the black lettering became bolder.

It is unknown exactly when the circular sign, seen below, was issued. It was used until 1995.

The green and white sign below was issued in 1995 and is still used today.