Lincoln Highway was the countrys first east coast to west coast highway. In 1921 Lincoln Highway went through Cairo, which was known as West Cairo at the time, on the former Bucyrus Road. Lincoln Highway was eventually designated as U.S. 30.

When U.S. 30 was expanded into a four lane, Cairo was bypassed approximately one half mile to the south.

Although U.S. 30 has moved south, historic Lincoln Highway still runs through Cairo.

The Cairo Police Department patch commemorates the Lincoln Highway. Under the words "Cairo Police" the designation "1st" is in the center of a two lane highway and the words "Lincoln Highway" are on a banner on the bottom edges of the patch.