But now a different kind of roadblock seems to be taking root, one based more on opportunism than on politics.
Now, an effort to keep the story alive is taking root on campuses and even on Capitol Hill as the 150th anniversary of the execution, in 2012, approaches.
Meanwhile, beginning in 1969, another meaning was taking root: "high on amphetamine drugs; manic".
So far, this movement to cut antibiotics use is taking root mostly on chicken farms, as Sasha Stashwick and Lena Brook from NRDC point out in this opinion piece.
"Arguing about stuff, arguing about public affairs, is taking root in the blogosphere on the conservative side, on the reformist side, all over," said John Kelly, the founder of Morningside Analytics, a New York company that took part in the study and created the software that helped researchers group blogs together by subject and social networks.
Rachael Garside discusses Brexit uncertainty with AMs Andrew RT Davies and Llyr Gruffydd; she also gets behind the wheel of an electric car, and hears how the Long Forest Project is taking root across Wales; and on Mothering Sunday, a mum of three from the Brecon Beacons talks about balancing the demands of her farm and running a leather business, alongside the challenges of family life.
Many climate smart agricultural practices are taking root too, and these often build on traditional knowledge that's been enhanced by agricultural research and innovation.
For too long it appeared that the industry's false claims on investment were taking root.
A firm commitment to both basic and biomedical sciences is taking root, with a not-so-distant eye on the financial rewards that they are expected to bring.
"We're going to to keep competing aggressively to make sure the jobs and industries of the future are taking root right here in America," he said on Saturday.
