Virginia 111 (1956) Road Sign - Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal

This vinyl decal captures the classic design of the Virginia Route 111 road sign as it appeared in 1956. The artwork proudly displays the iconic silhouette of the Commonwealth of Virginia, a shape instantly recognizable to those who know the state's highways.

Design Elements

The central element is the outline of Virginia itself, rendered in crisp white. This white form, with its distinctive shape, serves as the primary visual identifier. A thin, elegant black border frames the state's outline, creating a clean and defined edge that makes the white shape pop.

At the heart of the sign, centered within the state's borders, sits the designation: the bold black numerals "111". The font is a standardized mid-century design, reflecting the streamlined aesthetics of the era and ensuring high readability. The use of black on a white background provides a strong contrast, ensuring the route number is easily visible from a distance.

Meaning and Symbolism

The design’s symbolism is deeply rooted in Virginian pride and the history of its transportation network. The state outline itself acts as a direct representation of Virginia, a visual shorthand for its identity. The road sign, as a whole, signifies the designation and direction along a specific route, helping to guide travelers across the state.

The 1956 design, in particular, represents a specific moment in time. The streamlined font and cleaner finish of the sign evoke the mid-century modern aesthetic that was in vogue during the 1950s. The sign, therefore, becomes a small piece of a bygone era in American design and road travel.