When British geographer, George William Featherstonhaugh (prounounced Fan-shaw), made his well documented journey across Arkansas in 1834 he not only made observations about the flora and fauna, but about human behavior.
As he crossed the Mississippi River at Hix’s Ferry, the road was cut nicely and trees were blazed to find the right path. Closer to Little Rock, however, he learned that no one was responsible for the road and conditions deteriorated.
If a tree fell across the road, rather than move it, horses or wagons simply went around it. The same with mud holes, rocks, and stumps. Turnouts like these were normal, and eventually became the main path. At least until they too were rutted and worn and then another turnout would form.
Planners today call these “desire paths” . . . the routes that humans create by preference. Only 15 cut-throughs can create a desire path and they can appear in the least necessary situations. This photo is from a nice walking trail Mickey and I use on a path made for EXERCISE.
So why the turnout was needed is inexplicable, except by saying it is just what we do. We humans will find the easiest, shortest way between two points no matter what. So a tip for all you architects. . . build the buildings but hold off on the sidewalks. We’ll show you where they need to be.
