The program was established by Congress in 1991 to preserve and protect the nation's scenic but often less-traveled roads and promote tourism and economic development.

The National Scenic Byways Program (NSBP) is administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

[2] The NSBP was established under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, which provided $74.3 million in discretionary grants.

In September U.S. Transportation Secretary Federico Peña announced the first 14 National Scenic Byways and six All-American Roads.

On August 10, 2005, President George W. Bush signed the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), which provided $175 million to states and Indian tribes.