Stretching over 1,500 miles from West Texas to South Carolina, Interstate 20 serves as a vital east-west corridor across the southern United States. Originally commissioned in 1957 as part of the original Interstate Highway System, I-20 begins in Kent, Texas—just west of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex—and travels through six states before terminating in Florence, South Carolina. Along the way, it connects major cities such as Dallas, Shreveport, Jackson, Birmingham, Atlanta, and Columbia, making it one of the most heavily trafficked interstates in the South.

Throughout its route, I-20 intersects with many other major highways, including I-10, I-30, I-49, I-55, I-65, and I-95, making it a strategic link for both commercial freight and personal travel. The interstate is a critical trucking route, especially for east-west distribution in the Southeast, and plays a key role in regional economic activity. It also forms part of several metropolitan beltways and bypasses, easing congestion in cities like Birmingham and Atlanta.

In addition to its transportation value, I-20 provides travelers access to cultural landmarks, historical sites, and scenic byways. From the piney woods of East Texas to the rolling hills of Georgia and the coastal plains of South Carolina, the landscape changes dramatically along its path. Whether you’re exploring Civil Rights history in Selma, enjoying the blues heritage of Mississippi, or heading for the beaches of the Carolinas, Interstate 20 is more than a route—it’s a window into the southern spirit of America.