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citizens in the cavalcade when it reached Washington, Va, about 5 p.m. on March 30. There, the Lee Highway Association and government officials received a warm reception. Rappahannock County citizens then joined in the parade as it made its way to Warrentori- Warrenton had its own contingent of enthusiastic boosters and a gala banquet was held at a hotel, with leading citizens from town and county attending. Many dinner speeches were given on the merits of the WarrentonSperryville-Luray route and discussions lasted until midnight.
By mid-April, things were coming to a head. On April 13 a mass meeting was held at the Luray courthouse for the Warrenton-Sperryville-Luray route. Dr. Johnson was there and gave a magnificent speech on his vision of Lee Highway. Subscription blanks were handed around for those who had not yet joined the local Lee Highway Association unit. Members of the InterCounty Committee attended, and Dr. Johnson was impressed by everyone’s enthusiasm and support. The next morning, Dr. Johnson stopped in Washington, Va., to make another address, and then was escorted on to Warrenton for another large and very enthusiastic courthouse meeting in the evening.
At the Warrenton courthouse, the claims and advantages of the WarrentonSperryville-Luray route were extolled. It was reiterated that the route passed through rich farm country. It would help Rappahannock County’s transportation situation, since that county did not have a railroad. The route ended at Luray Caverns, the most famous and attractive natural wonder of the eastern U.S.
The population along the route was double that of the rival route. 'A useable road already existed. The people of Luray and Rappahannock had already made liberal subscriptions to the purpose. The Warrenton-Fairfax Turnpike Company, a private corporation, offered to turn over its entire stock, valued at $70,000, and sixteen miles of improved road to the Lee Highway Association provided the Luray route was selected.
A newspaper article noted that, “Mr. James Fletcher made a brief but pointed talk for Rappahannock; and Mr. Weaver of Luray delighted the audience with a spicy address, telling of their efforts to reach Dr. Johnson’s heart on this and his previous visit, and expressing great confidence in their success.”
The Lee Highway Association three-member route selection committee met in Washington, D.C., on May 5, 1921, to vote. Two were for the Luray route, and one was for the Front Royal route. On May 12, 1921, the Lee Highway Association executive committee met and cast the final votes. The Luray route was selected unanimously.
Next time: Frenzy in the counties.
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