Jump to content
SASS Wire Forum

Recommended Posts

Posted

https://mojavedesert.net/history/pioneer/toll-road-09.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawH83S1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVVBAwinzfxQg2YwW-HFD4ty3PLniKYTRM9J1hju-yzGUc0IdkKYS46o-g_aem_2z5JnIkTB6aKg8OPoLWc2A

 

Cajon Pass

Brown Improves Toll Road

In the latter part of 1874, John Brown finally decided to make some improvements to the turnpike, a decision no doubt spurred for the most part by the explosion of activity created by the Panamint mines, and the constant flow of traffic between there and the Southern Pacific railhead at Spadra. The increase in toll collections from this traffic was substantial enough to support a major reconstruction on the steepest segment of the road near the summit.
599-804-browns-toll-road-not-hwy-rDSC_6038.jpg


The cut at the summit reduced the grade making it easier to pass.

In September Brown promised to relocate the road, so that teams could "go through the low gap to the right of the top of the hill, thereby avoiding the high ascent of the present road." He also planned to improve the new route by blasting a 185-foot segment in order to reduce the grade even further. In early December it was reported that a "splendid highway" was under construction, and Brown announced he would "spare no expense in improving it to perfection." On December 28th the San Bernardino Weekly Argus gave a glowing account of the project:
  • THE NEW ROAD -- The new road being built by Mr. Brown is certainly a great improvement. It intercepts the toll road about a mile above Fear's station and runs in a direct line for Panamint and is nearer Bear and Holcomb valleys, and other mining districts, than the old road.

    Mr. Brown has had considerable experience in road building and has selected an excellent grade over the summit, perfectly straight, and wide enough for teams to pass each other nearly all the way. The summit is a hard cement formation and has to be blasted. Several cuts are being made and hollows filled, some a long distance. The work was finished in early February, and Brown, in an ebullient mood, said, "I wish...to inform the traveling public that the so-much-talked-of new wagon road through the Cajon Pass, is finished, the last spike driven."
< Previous - Next >
 


372-600-toll-gate-cajon-pass-v2-c-wallflower.jpg
Original upper toll station - 1863

372-600x600--upper-toll-house2-feldhym-library-c-sq.jpg
Courtesy Feldheym Library
This toll station at the upper gate was built after the original was destroyed by fire on June 4, 1876 (colorized)

-=-

 

 

  • Thanks 5
Posted

How did he get Environmental Approval through so fast?

Was there an ecological report done on the effects of ground dwelling species?

Hos will this affect herbivores grazing activities? 

Has an Environmental Impact Statement been filed?

Was Union Labour used and Union pay rates observed?

Was the County Building Permit obtained?

Were Public Hearing held to hear from the stake holders?

Where are the Inspectors reports filed?

I have so many questions.

  • Haha 4
Posted
10 minutes ago, Cold Lake Kid, SASS # 51474 said:

How did he get Environmental Approval through so fast?

Was there an ecological report done on the effects of ground dwelling species?

Hos will this affect herbivores grazing activities? 

Has an Environmental Impact Statement been filed?

Was Union Labour used and Union pay rates observed?

Was the County Building Permit obtained?

Were Public Hearing held to hear from the stake holders?

Where are the Inspectors reports filed?

I have so many questions.

 

You'll find all of that paperwork hanging from a nail inside the outhouse.

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
  • Haha 1
Posted

 

Has anybody got a dime?

 

Someone's gonna have to go back and get a s**tload of dimes!

  • Haha 3

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.