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Violence and the American Interstate: Discovering America's Dark Underbelly

Curtis Stewart

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Published in Killer On The Road: Violence And The American Interstate (Discovering America)

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The American interstate highway system is a vast network of roads that connects cities and towns across the country. It is a symbol of progress and prosperity, but it also has a dark side. The interstate has been the scene of numerous violent crimes, including murders, rapes, and robberies. These crimes have left a lasting legacy of fear and distrust, and they continue to haunt the memories of those who have been affected by them.

The Early Years

The first interstate highway was built in the 1950s. At the time, the country was experiencing a wave of violence, and the interstate quickly became a haven for criminals. Hitchhikers were often picked up and murdered, and women were raped and killed along the desolate stretches of highway. The interstate also became a popular dumping ground for bodies, and it is estimated that hundreds of people have been buried in unmarked graves along the roadside.

Killer on the Road: Violence and the American Interstate (Discovering America)

by Paul Midler

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5425 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	265 pages
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The Golden State Killer

One of the most notorious serial killers in American history is the Golden State Killer. He is responsible for at least 13 murders and 51 rapes in California during the 1970s and 1980s. The Golden State Killer often targeted young women who lived alone, and he would break into their homes at night and terrorize them for hours before killing them. He was finally arrested in 2018, and he is currently serving a life sentence in prison.

Ted Bundy

Ted Bundy is another infamous serial killer who used the interstate to his advantage. Bundy was responsible for at least 30 murders in seven states during the 1970s. He would often pick up young women hitchhiking and then strangle them. Bundy was a charming and charismatic man, and he was able to lure his victims into his car with ease. He was eventually arrested in 1978, and he was executed in 1989.

The Interstate Today

The interstate highway system is still a dangerous place today. In 2020, there were over 1,000 murders on the interstate, and there were over 10,000 rapes. The interstate is also a major corridor for drug trafficking, and it is estimated that over 80% of the drugs that enter the United States come through the interstate.

The Legacy of Violence

The violence that has occurred on the American interstate has left a lasting legacy of fear and distrust. Many people are afraid to travel on the interstate alone, and they often avoid stopping at rest stops or gas stations. The violence has also created a sense of unease in the communities that are located near the interstate. Residents of these communities are often worried about their safety, and they are constantly on the lookout for suspicious activity.

Dark Tourism

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in dark tourism. This type of tourism involves visiting places that are associated with death or violence. Some people are fascinated by the macabre, and they enjoy visiting places where terrible things have happened. There are a number of dark tourism sites along the American interstate, including the site of the Golden State Killer's first murder and the site of Ted Bundy's execution. These sites offer a glimpse into the dark side of American history, and they can be a sobering reminder of the violence that can occur on our highways.

Violence and the American interstate are inextricably linked. The interstate has been the scene of numerous violent crimes, and its dark history continues to haunt the present. The legacy of violence on the interstate is a reminder that even in the most prosperous and developed countries, there is a dark underbelly that is often hidden from view.

Killer on the Road: Violence and the American Interstate (Discovering America)

by Paul Midler

4.2 out of 5