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Ridge Route Historical Marker: A Bygone Era

Discover the Ridge Route Historical Marker in Santa Clarita, CA: A testament to early 20th-century engineering, connecting California's past and present through a scenic and historic landmark.

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The Ridge Route Historical Marker commemorates California's first mountain highway, a marvel of engineering completed in 1915. This winding road, predating Interstate 5, connected Los Angeles and the San Joaquin Valley, fostering economic growth and solidifying California's unity. Though largely replaced by modern highways, preserved segments offer a glimpse into early 20th-century travel. The Ridge Route, with its challenging curves and stunning vistas, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of early road builders. Visit the marker to reflect on the history of transportation and the enduring spirit of innovation that shaped California's landscape. Explore the surrounding area to discover other historical landmarks and appreciate the natural beauty that made this route both a necessity and an adventure. The Ridge Route's legacy continues to inspire those who traverse its path, whether on foot, by bike, or in the imagination.

A brief summary to Ridge Route Historical Marker

Local tips

  • Explore the Angeles National Forest nearby for hiking and scenic views after visiting the marker.
  • Check for road closures or restrictions on the remaining segments of the Ridge Route before planning a drive.
  • Visit the Ridge Route Communities Museum in Frazier Park to learn more about the history of the area.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Ridge Route Historical Marker is accessible by car. From Interstate 5, exit at Newhall Ranch Road (Highway 126) in Santa Clarita. Head east on Newhall Ranch Road. The marker is located at the intersection of Newhall Ranch Road and the Golden State Freeway (Interstate 5). Limited parking is available near the marker.

  • Public Transport

    While direct public transportation to the marker is limited, you can take Santa Clarita Transit bus routes to the vicinity of Newhall Ranch Road and Interstate 5. From there, it's a short walk to the marker. Check Santa Clarita Transit schedules for the most up-to-date route information. A single ride fare is $1.

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Discover more about Ridge Route Historical Marker

The Ridge Route Historical Marker stands as a tribute to a pivotal chapter in California's transportation history. Completed in 1915, the Ridge Route was the first paved highway to directly connect the Los Angeles Basin with the San Joaquin Valley, traversing the formidable Tejon Pass and the rugged Sierra Pelona Mountains south of Gorman. This engineering marvel, born from the necessity to overcome challenging terrain, played a crucial role in the state's economic and social development. Before the Ridge Route, travel between Northern and Southern California was arduous and time-consuming, often favoring sea routes or circuitous paths. The construction of the Ridge Route, therefore, was not merely a road-building project; it was a strategic endeavor to unite the state, fostering trade, tourism, and a sense of shared identity. Some historians even credit the Ridge Route with preventing California from splitting into two separate states, with the Tehachapi Mountains as the dividing line. The Ridge Route's construction was a monumental undertaking, relying heavily on manual labor and innovative techniques for its time. Workers, equipped with picks, shovels, and mule-drawn Fresno scrapers, carved the 20-foot wide roadway across the mountains, navigating steep grades and sharp curves. The original route was characterized by its numerous hairpin turns, with some stretches containing over 697 curves in just 36 miles. This design, while challenging for motorists, was a deliberate choice to minimize earthwork and avoid drainage problems. Opened to the public in October 1915, the Ridge Route quickly gained popularity, becoming a vital artery for commerce and travel. However, the road's unpaved surface proved inadequate for the increasing traffic, leading to its closure in 1917 for paving with reinforced concrete. The paving project, completed in the early 1920s, transformed the Ridge Route into a state-of-the-art highway, capable of accommodating the growing demands of the automotive age. Despite its initial success, the Ridge Route's limitations became apparent by the late 1920s. Its narrow width, sharp curves, and steep grades posed significant challenges for larger vehicles and higher speeds. In response, the state embarked on the construction of the Ridge Route Alternate, a straighter, wider, and less challenging route that would eventually replace the original. The Ridge Route Alternate, completed in 1933, marked the beginning of the end for the original Ridge Route. The new highway, later designated U.S. Route 99, offered a more efficient and safer passage through the mountains, relegating the old road to a scenic side route. Over the years, the Ridge Route Alternate was further upgraded, eventually becoming part of Interstate 5, the major north-south artery that traverses California today. Today, preserved segments of the Ridge Route offer a glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to experience the challenges and rewards of early 20th-century travel. The portion of the road within the Angeles National Forest was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Along the route, historical markers and interpretive signs tell the story of the Ridge Route, highlighting its significance and the people who built and traveled it. Among the historical landmarks along the Ridge Route are the sites of former inns, garages, and service stations that catered to travelers in the early days of motoring. These establishments, such as the National Forest Inn, Reservoir Summit, Kelly's Half Way Inn, Tumble Inn, and Sandberg's Summit Hotel, provided essential services and a welcome respite from the rigors of the road. While many of these establishments are now gone, their stories live on through historical accounts and the remnants of their foundations. The Ridge Route Historical Marker serves as a reminder of the ingenuity, perseverance, and vision that shaped California's transportation infrastructure. It is a place to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and consider the future of travel and connectivity. Whether you are a history buff, a road trip enthusiast, or simply curious about the world around you, a visit to the Ridge Route Historical Marker is sure to be a rewarding experience. The Ridge Route's legacy extends beyond its physical presence. It represents a spirit of innovation, a commitment to progress, and a recognition of the importance of connecting communities. As we travel the highways of today, we owe a debt of gratitude to the pioneers who paved the way, literally and figuratively, for the modern transportation system we enjoy today. The Ridge Route Historical Marker stands as a testament to their vision and a reminder of the enduring power of human ingenuity.

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