Line Striping and Pavement Markings Started in the Midwest and Chicago

Jul 09, 2025 | 1-800-Striper NW Chicago

A Journey Through the History of Pavement Markings

When you drive into a well‑marked parking lot at 1‑800‑Striper Northwest Chicago, you’re part of a long legacy that traces back to the birth of pavement markings in the Midwest.

1. The Milk Trail in Michigan

In 1911, Edward Hines in Michigan noticed a milk wagon leaving a white trail down the center of a road—a serendipitous moment that led to the first painted centerline on M‑15 in Marquette County by 1917 wj.uk+2Wikimedia Commons+2altekma.com.tr+2. This simple line helped guide drivers and significantly reduced head‑on collisions.

2. Chicago’s Urban Experiments

Around the same era, Chicago began painting crosswalks and centerlines to tame its chaotic downtown traffic. These early roadway markings set the stage for more advanced systems, influencing everything from parking lot striping to asphalt maintenance and pavement markings across the nation northernmarking.com+1altekma.com.tr+1.

How Those Early Stripes Shape Our Work Today

At 1‑800‑Striper, we’re proud to continue an American tradition—bringing clarity, safety, and visual order to parking lot maintenance across the Northwest Chicago suburbs:

Parking Lot Striping: We define stalls, fire lanes, pedestrian zones, and ADA spaces.
Parking Lot Paint: We use high‑quality Sherwin‑Williams traffic paints engineered for long-lasting performance.
Asphalt Maintenance: Strong, visible markings prevent accidents and liability issues.
Pavement Markings: We ensure every arrow, line, and stencil meets current standards.

From Historical Roots to Modern Precision

We stay true to our craft by harnessing today’s best tools:

Laser‑guided Graco striping machines for ultra‑straight lines
Professional crew trained in layout, compliance, and installation
Comprehensive services including lot inspections, repaints, and full layout design

By blending parking lot striping precision with modern asphalt maintenance, we honor the safety-driven intentions behind those first milk‑line pioneers.

Serving Chicago’s Northwest with Historical Pride and Modern Expertise

From Chicago to Schaumburg, Arlington Heights to Des Plaines, we bring both legacy and innovation to every lot we stripe. Our mission: clear navigation, enhanced safety, and an inviting exterior—just as those early pavement markings intended over a century ago.

Looking to refresh your parking lot with a touch of history and modern accuracy? Contact 1‑800‑Striper Northwest Chicago for a free quote. Let’s continue the legacy—one precise line at a time.

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Customer Reviews

Had our parking lot paved and found ourselves needing lines. Their team was fantastic from start to finish. They took the time to give great advice and listened closely to our company’s needs.

Darrell M

1-800-STRIPER | Line Striping and Pavement Markings Started in the Midwest and Chicago

They are very responsive and complete the work in a timely fashion. I have used them for 18 years and have never had any issue with their work. Very highly recommended.

Mike W

They are very easy to work with and have a highest level of attention to detail. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about parking lot striping. Their quality of work is outstanding!

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