The Gideon Bible's Enduring Place in America's Roadside Culture The Gideon Bible has been a ubiquitous presence in US motel rooms for over a century.
Its distribution, which began in 1908, is a testament to the country's Protestant tradition and roadside culture. But what does this peculiarly American object reveal about the nation's values and faith?
Gideons International, founded by evangelical business and professional men in 1899, initially placed a single Bible at a hotel front desk. However, this modest effort sparked a movement that has seen over 2.