The Notables

People & Places Making History on the Jefferson Highway

Every month, we celebrate notable people born along the Jefferson Highway, one from each of our nine regions, chosen by birthday. Click a pin to meet them, and find their full stories in the Jefferson Highway Travel Guide.

Notables by Region
New this month, and every month after, under each region.

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

  • Aloha Wanderwell (1906–1996), Winnipeg. October 2026. First woman to drive around the world, she set off at 16 in a Model T Ford and filmed the journey.


MINNESOTA

  • Eddie Cochran (1938–1960), Albert Lea. October 2026. Rock and roll pioneer behind "Summertime Blues" and "C'mon Everybody."

IOWA

  • Junior D. Edwards (1926–1951), Indianola. October 2026. Army Sergeant First Class and the only Iowan awarded the Medal of Honor for the Korean War.


MISSOURI

  • Eminem (born 1972), St. Joseph. October 2026. One of the best-selling music artists of all time and an Oscar winner for "Lose Yourself."


KANSAS

  • Lucy Elmina Anthony (1859–1944), Fort Scott. October 2026. Niece and secretary of Susan B. Anthony, and a leader in the women's suffrage movement.


OKLAHOMA

  • Mary Blair (1911–1978), McAlester. October 2026. Disney artist whose bold color shaped Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan.


TEXAS

  • Opal Lee (born 1926), Marshall. October 2026. The "Grandmother of Juneteenth," who turns 100 on October 7, 2026.


ARKANSAS

  • Priest Holmes (born 1973), Fort Smith. October 2026. NFL running back and 2002 Offensive Player of the Year with the Kansas City Chiefs.


LOUISIANA

  • Anne Rice (1941–2021), New Orleans. October 2026. Author of Interview with the Vampire, who drew on the city's mansions and ghost stories.