When the Maine Legislature designated this route in 1937, they weren't building a highway — they were bringing the country into the heart of Maine, carrying tourism and prosperity many miles inland. The statute named it Portland to Fort Kent, linking towns most of America had never heard of; the maps and atlases of the day ran it further still, down to Kittery and the southern border.

A rusted, embossed sign turned up along Route 2 in Molunkus. Nate found it. We're bringing the trail back.