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Before the interstates, tourists still drove to Florida through Georgia, usually on challenging dirt roads. Visionary and wealthy entrepreneur Carl Fisher, who purchased property that became Miami Beach, wanted better access for people to get to Florida. He had the idea to create the Dixie Highway.
Several states joined to form a network of highways and connecting routes that went from Florida to Canada. With no affordable hotels or restaurants between larger towns and cities, budget-minded tourists often camped by the side of the road.
Some towns opened tourist camps, souvenir stands and gas stations to cater to the travelers.
– Jan Schroder, The Georgia 100