A little confusion

In this 1934 Texaco map (Rand McNally), Route 197 east leaving Quinebaug seems to take two directions.

Commissioned in 1932, Route 197 used to follow the route of the old Center Turnpike, which started at the Tolland Courthouse and continued to within a few miles of Boston. Route 197 itself started at Route 32 near where I-84 intersects it today. Much of that route is now abandoned by the state. To find the old Route 197, see driving directions below.

In 1941, most of the section between Routes 32 and 89 was dropped; the official route started 1.34 miles west of Route 89, and continued 17.03 miles to the state line.

Between 1944 and 1947, Route 197 was shortened again: now 3.78 miles, from Route 169 to the state line.

In 1963, Route 197 was extended west to Route 171, as part of the statewide Route Reclassification.

Driving the Old Route 197

Although the route between Routes 32 and 320 was buried by the Wilbur Cross Highway in the 1940s, you can still drive most of the old Route 197/Center Pike through Ashford and Woodstock.

Get off I-84 at Route 320; proceed south. Turn left on Old Turnpike Road, just south of I-84. This is the start of the remains of the old Route 197.

As you approach Westford, Route 89 will join you from the left, and veer to the right about a mile later. Keep going straight. The road will become Boston Hollow Road, then Centre Pike.

At North Ashford, you'll intersect Route 171. Continue straight. The road will become Old Turnpike Road as you enter Woodstock.

In a few miles, you'll meet the modern Route 197. The old Route 197 continued into Massachusetts as well.

Renumber as part of a new cross-state Route 16 to connect with MA 16. (Old Route 16 would become part of Route 138.)

• Route 197 Ends (Photos; Doug Kerr at state-ends.com)
• Route 197 - Google Maps