U.S. Highways, also known as the United States Numbered Highway System, are a network of roads that connect cities and regions across the United States. Established in 1926, these highways are marked with a distinctive shield-shaped sign displaying a number. They serve as important routes for both local and long-distance travel. The system includes over 160,000 miles of roads, facilitating commerce and tourism. U.S. Highways often run parallel to or intersect with Interstate Highways, providing alternative routes. They are vital for transportation, linking rural areas to urban centers and supporting economic activities throughout the country.