The Lincoln Highway's first Seedling Mile of paved highway was built in Malta. This strategically chosen location demonstrated the need for better roads, showing the stark contrast between travel on concrete versus mud.

From concept to completion, the entire project was finished in just 14 months, with private donations, State-provided equipment and engineers. Only 10’ wide and designed to show that pavement could withstand traffic 20 years into the future, the first Seedling Mile was completed with much celebration in November 1914.