A Remarkable Story
A documentary about the longest motorized military convoy assembled by humankind in 1919 that traveled from the White House to San Francisco.
A journey that changed the life of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the American people.
Ambassador Michael Owen drives the Lincoln Highway in a journey that retraces Dwight David Eisenhower's historic 1919 convoy.
This exploration, reflecting on America's past, present, and future, delves into the transformative impact of Eisenhower's journey on the country's fabric and Owen's personal engagement with American history.
Screenings and Awards
FOR PBS STATIONS: CLICK HERE FOR THE NETA AMERICA 250 CELEBRATIONS CATALOG
Interested in a screening? Contact Gregory Maassen via LinkedIn.
A Journey that Changed America
Their destination was 3,251 miles away from Washington DC in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.
On a sunny July morning in 1919, 295 military personnel and 81 vehicles assembled on the south side of the White House in Washington DC. The first Army Transcontinental Motor Convoy was the longest motorized convoy ever assembled by humankind.
A film by Gregory Maassen, Michael Owen, Adele Schmidt, and Brian McCotter
The documentary tells a story of resilience and ingenuity that characterized the historic Transcontinental Military Convoy, providing a vivid narrative of its challenges and triumphs that laid the foundation for fostering a new era of mobility and connectivity in the United States.
Ambassador Michael Owen // Author and Director After Ike
Animated photo of Dwight Eisenhower (right) during the convoy in Firestone Homestead, Columbiana, Ohio during the 1919 Transcontinental Motor Convoy.
The documentary employs scrolling parallax effect to add depth and motion to historic still photography.
Image credit: https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov
An Engaging Story With Historic Players
The convoy was about to embark on a historic trip over the Lincoln Highway. A 28-year-old lieutenant colonel named Dwight Eisenhower was one of 37 officers assigned as observers of the convoy.
Eisenhower signed the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 into law, a direct result of his experience traveling 3,251 miles across the United States during the 1919 convoy, and later his exposure as Supreme Commander to the German Autobahns during WWII.
The 1919 Transcontinental Motor Convoy
The convoy left Washington DC on July 7, 1919. With an average of 6.07 mph, they arrived in San Francisco after 62 days of hardship on a journey that would change the United States forever.
The convoy traveled 3,251 miles. Captain William Greany, the official Statistical Officer, reported that the convoy was involved in 230 road accidents, mostly due to "appalling traffic conditions."
Read Captain Greany's report here.
81
Vehicles
295
Enlisted Men and Officers
230
Road Accidents
3,251
Miles Traveled in 62 Days
6.07
Average Miles Per Hour
58.1
Average Miles Per Day
A map of the United States showing the transcontinental route followed by Ike Eisenhower in 1919 following the historic Lincoln Highway
To those who have known only concrete and macadam highways of gentle grades and engineered curves, such a trip might seem humdrum. In those days, we were not sure it could be accomplished at all. Nothing of the sort had ever been attempted
dwight D. eisenhower
About the Team
Michael S. Owen - Director - Author After Ike
Michael S. Owen is a retired US Ambassador. During his 30 years as a Foreign Service Officer he worked in numerous countries across Africa and Asia. Now that he’s back home, he’s delighting in traveling around his own country and has driven over the Lincoln Highway several times. He has published several stories in literary journals.
He lives in Reston, Virginia, with his wife Annerieke.
Ambassador Michael Owen and President Barack Obama.
Adele Schmidt - Co-Producer
Adele Schmidt is an award-winning film producer, educator, and consultant. She has produced eight long-format, award-winning documentaries, all broadcast on national public television.
As a co-founder of Rockville, MD-based production company Zeitgeist Media LLC, she is currently producing a series of documentaries on progressive rock music. She is also the co-founder of Docs in Progress and a professor at American University.
Contact Adele on LinkedIn.
Brian McCotter - Creative Director
Brian McCotter is an accomplished creative leader with expertise in strategic communications, brand development, and program management, with extensive experience across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the United States. His background spans political strategy, documentary and short-form video production, scriptwriting, reality television, and branded content.
Brian served as Creative Director on After Ike, an award-winning PBS documentary, and Only Lazy Americans E-Bike. His work also includes the current production of The Way with Penny, an interactive television travelogue spotlighting hidden gems, local culture, and untouched landscapes through dynamic on-the-ground storytelling.
Known for combining strategic insight with creative execution, Brian brings a distinctive ability to develop authentic stories that connect brands, organizations, places, and audiences.
He holds a B.A. from Duke University and an M.A. from the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University, with additional studies at Cambridge University, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, and the University of Cape Town.
Contact Brian on LinkedIn.
Brian's passions include documentary filmmaking, English bulldogs, and Land Rover Defenders.
Gregory F. Maassen - Producer & Director
Gregory Maassen is an award-winning documentary filmmaker with over two decades of experience in editing and audio-visual production. His work spans diverse assignments across Asia, Southern Africa, Europe, and the United States, showcasing his ability to tell compelling stories across cultures and contexts.
Gregory earned a Master’s in TV and Film Production at American University (2024) and a PhD in Business Administration (1999). As a Fulbright Scholar, he draws on a rich academic and professional background to bring a unique perspective to his work. His first feature film documentary, www.after-ike.com, is making waves on the film festival circuit.
He is the founder of Wandel Guides LLC, the production company for the "After Ike" documentary and a teaching artist at Docs in Progress (Davinci Resolve Editing).
Contact Gregory on LinkedIn.
The Reels
Michael Owen, author of After Ike, provides commentary for a 1919 U.S. Army silent film documenting the transcontinental motor convoy. Click here to watch his appearance on C-SPAN American History TV.
Images from the silent film. Click on the arrows to browse through the collection.
Image captions are from the original transcript.
A sand drift delayed progress one hour.
A sand drift delayed progress one hour.
A sand drift delayed progress one hour.
Artillery tractor towing 3 trucks, a load of approximately 30 tons, through soft mud.
Artillery wheeled tractor as the Militor, designed and built by Ordnance Department, pulling trucks out of quicksand with its power driven winch.
Artillery wheeled tractor as the Militor, designed and built by Ordnance Department, pulling trucks out of quicksand with its power driven winch.
At this point, the Lincoln Highway runs parallel to Union Pacific tracks.
At this point, the Lincoln Highway runs parallel to Union Pacific tracks.
Between Omaha and Columbus, Nebraska, July 30, 1919. Over a dusty highway.
Between Omaha and Columbus, Nebraska, July 30, 1919. Over a dusty highway.
Black Point Utah August 22 1919 On the western edge of the desert where the convoy spent the night at the construction camp.
Black Point Utah August 22 1919 On the western edge of the desert where the convoy spent the night at the construction camp.
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, July 8, 1919. Engineer trucks encounter difficulties, in passing through covered bridges of Juanita River.
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, July 8, 1919. Engineer trucks encounter difficulties, in passing through covered bridges of Juanita River.
Clinton, Iowa, July 22, 1919. Crossing the Mississippi River on bridge between Fulton, Illinois and Clinton, Iowa.
Clinton, Iowa, July 22, 1919. Crossing the Mississippi River on bridge between Fulton, Illinois and Clinton, Iowa.
Clinton, Iowa, July 22, 1919. Crossing the Mississippi River on bridge between Fulton, Illinois and Clinton, Iowa.
Convoy in review before Mayor James Rolph, Jr.,city officials, and officers of the Western Department of the United States Army.
Convoy in review before Mayor James Rolph, Jr.,city officials, and officers of the Western Department of the United States Army.
East of Franklin Grove, Illinois, July 22, 1919. The poorest road encountered thus far on the trip.
East of Laramie, Wyoming, August 9, 1919. A bit of rough country.
East of Laramie, Wyoming, August 9, 1919. A bit of rough country.
East of Ogden, Utah, August 16, 1919. Through Webber Canyon over a dangerous maintain road. One section of the road had to be shored up by engineers to prevent a slide.
East of Ogden, Utah, August 16, 1919. Through Webber Canyon over a dangerous maintain road. One section of the road had to be shored up by engineers to prevent a slide.
East Palestine, Ohio, July 12, 1919. City in gala attire to greet convoy.
En route to Eureka, Nevada, August 25, 1919. In the midst of Nevada's many parallel mountain ranges.
En route to Eureka, Nevada, August 25, 1919. In the midst of Nevada's many parallel mountain ranges.
En route to Eureka, Nevada, August 25, 1919. In the midst of Nevada's many parallel mountain ranges.
En route to Eureka, Nevada, August 25, 1919. In the midst of Nevada's many parallel mountain ranges.
En route to Eureka, Nevada, August 25, 1919. In the midst of Nevada's many parallel mountain ranges.
En route to Rock Springs, Wyoming, August 14, 1919. In the very heart of the Rockies.
En route to Rock Springs, Wyoming, August 14, 1919. In the very heart of the Rockies.
En route to Stockton, California, September 4, 1919. Through the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys.
En route to Stockton, California, September 4, 1919. Through the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys.
En route to Stockton, California, September 4, 1919. Through the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys.
Eyburs, California, September 2, 1919. Another stop for chow.
Eyburs, California, September 2, 1919. Another stop for chow.
Ft. Bridger, Wyoming, August 16, 1919. Convoy departing from this beautiful green oasis in a desert of sagebrush and alkali dust.
Glen Brook, Nevada, September 1, 1919. Rounding point known as Cave Rook on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe.
Granite Point, Utah, August 21, 1919. Entering Great Salt Lake Desert over new Seiberling Cut-Off which shortens the Lincoln Highway about 55 miles.
Great Salt Lake Desert, Utah, August 21, 1919. The modern military caravan.
Lincoln Park beside the Golden Gate.
Near Elkhart, Indiana, July 18, 1919. The Lincoln Highway.
Near Livermore, California, September 5, 1919. Through the Altamont Hills.
Near Livermore, California, September 5, 1919. Through the Altamont Hills.
Near Livermore, California, September 5, 1919. Through the Altamont Hills.
Near Orr's Ranch, Utah, August 20, 1919. Sagebrush was cut from the desert to fill in wheel ruts in the alkali and man power supplemented mechanical in getting trucks through.
Near Orr's Ranch, Utah, August 20, 1919. Sagebrush was cut from the desert to fill in wheel ruts in the alkali and man power supplemented mechanical in getting trucks through.
Near Orr's Ranch, Utah, August 20, 1919. Sagebrush was cut from the desert to fill in wheel ruts in the alkali and man power supplemented mechanical in getting trucks through.
Near Orr's Ranch, Utah, August 20, 1919. Sagebrush was cut from the desert to fill in wheel ruts in the alkali and man power supplemented mechanical in getting trucks through.
Near Orr's Ranch, Utah, August 20, 1919. Sagebrush was cut from the desert to fill in wheel ruts in the alkali and man power supplemented mechanical in getting trucks through.
Near Pulton, Illinois, July 22, 1919. Riker truck of the 5th Engineers turned turtle and was righted with block and tackle.
Near Pulton, Illinois, July 22, 1919. Riker truck of the 5th Engineers turned turtle and was righted with block and tackle.
Near Pulton, Illinois, July 22, 1919. Riker truck of the 5th Engineers turned turtle and was righted with block and tackle.
Near Pulton, Illinois, July 22, 1919. Riker truck of the 5th Engineers turned turtle and was righted with block and tackle.
Near Pulton, Illinois, July 22, 1919. Riker truck of the 5th Engineers turned turtle and was righted with block and tackle.
Oakland, California, September 6, 1919. Trucks were driven aboard ferry boats for trip across San Francisco Bay.
Oakland, California, September 6, 1919. Trucks were driven aboard ferry boats for trip across San Francisco Bay.
Oakland, California, September 6, 1919. Trucks were driven aboard ferry boats for trip across San Francisco Bay.
Rest of convoy detoured around bridge driving down through the creek bottom with the aid of the portable corduroy road.
Rest of convoy detoured around bridge driving down through the creek bottom with the aid of the portable corduroy road.
Sacramento, California, September 3, 1919. Parading streets of California's capital city.
San Francisco, California, September 6, 1919. Waterfront, from ferry boat.
This happens between Chambersburg, Pa. and Bedford, Pa, July 9, 1919. Climbing Tuscarora Mts in the Blue Ridge.
Trailmobile kitchen in actlon.
Transcontinental Motor Convoy departing from Camp Meige
West of Carson City, Nevada. September 1, 1919. Crossing Saharas without accident may be considered noteworthy achievement for heavy vehicles.
West of Carson City, Nevada. September 1, 1919. Total climb, 14 miles in 6 hours. Upgrades of 8% to 14%. 1
West of Carson City, Nevada. September 1, 1919. Total climb, 14 miles in 6 hours. Upgrades of 8% to 14%.
West of Cheyenne, Wyoming, August 9, 1919. Upon the Lincoln Highway.
West of Evanston, Wyoming, August 17, 1919. Over worst road in Utah, through Echo Canyon on rough trail at natural grade, with many dangerous turns, deep ruts, and cliffs.
West of Fallon, Nevada. 12 Miles. August 30, 1919. It required 11 hours to move from Fallon to this point over severed stretches of unstabled, dry sand and wet quicksand.
West of Fallon, Nevada. 12 Miles. August 30, 1919. It required 11 hours to move from Fallon to this point over severed stretches of unstabled, dry sand and wet quicksand.
West of Gothenburg, Nebraska, August 3, 1919. Ordnance built artillery tractor to the rescue.
West of Gothenburg, Nebraska, August 3, 1919. Ordnance built artillery tractor to the rescue.
West of Gothenburg, Nebraska, August 3, 1919. Ordnance built artillery tractor to the rescue.
West of Gothenburg, Nebraska, August 3, 1919. Ordnance built artillery tractor to the rescue.
West of Gothenburg, Nebraska, August 3, 1919. Ordnance built artillery tractor to the rescue.
West of Gothenburg, Nebraska, August 3, 1919. Ordnance built artillery tractor to the rescue.
West of Lexington, Nebraska, August 2, 1919. Mud, Mud.
West of Lexington, Nebraska, August 2, 1919. Mud, Mud.
West of Lexington, Nebraska, August 2, 1919. Mud, Mud.
West of Lexington, Nebraska, August 2, 1919. Mud, Mud-Scene 20 Closeup of a kitchen wagon stuck in the mud.
West of Meyers, California, September 2, 1919. Down-grade through American River Canyon.
West of Morgan, Utah, August 18, 1919. Stop in eastern end of Webber Canyon for rest and chow.
West of North Platte, Nebraska, August 5, 1919. Quicksand. Closeup of the apparatus used in endeavoring to move the truck.
West of North Platte, Nebraska, August 5, 1919. Quicksand.
West of North Platte, Nebraska, August 5, 1919. Quicksand.
West of North Platte, Nebraska, August 6, 1919. Quicksand pocket out of which the Militor.
West of Gothenburg, Nebraska, August 3, 1919. Ordnance built artillery tractor to the rescue.
West of Placerville, California, September 3, 1919. Typical section of California's perfect roads._
The Top 10 Pop Songs From 1919
The documentary "After Ike" features the Top Pop Songs from 1919, sourced from the Library of Congress' National Jukebox. Thanks to the Music Modernization Act, we have the privilege of using this music since all recordings released before 1923 became public domain on January 1, 2022. While we've digitally enhanced the original recording to eliminate noise and imperfections, we took care not to compromise the authenticity by over-processing the audio.
After you've gone - #1 Billboard 1919
Bourdon, Rosario -- Conductor, Harris, Marion -- Vocalist -- Soprano Vocal, Creamer, Henry -- Lyricist
Layton, Turner -- Composer