24/11/2024
Wow! Pacific coast highway 101 had an interesting start.
The Pacific Highway, which officially opened on January 29, 1915, was a monumental step in connecting the western United States and Canada by automobile. As more people began traveling by car in the early 20th century, automobile clubs in Washington, Oregon, California, and British Columbia came together to form the Pacific Highway Association. Their goal was to create a marked North-South route using existing roads, which would allow travelers to journey along the Pacific coast. While the road was officially designated, much of it remained unpaved, especially outside of major cities, making travel a challenging and adventurous undertaking.
This photograph, taken south of Seattle in 1915, captures a group of motorists from Tacoma as they drive along the newly designated Pacific Highway. The image reflects the optimism and excitement of the era, as cars were becoming more accessible and the idea of long-distance travel by automobile was becoming a reality. The scene highlights not only the growing popularity of the automobile but also the rough and often unfinished state of many roads in the region. Despite the challenges, this new highway represented a significant advancement in transportation infrastructure.
The opening of the Pacific Highway helped lay the foundation for the development of a more interconnected and accessible West Coast, fostering tourism, trade, and economic growth. The work of the Pacific Highway Association and the motorists who braved these early roads helped shape the future of the U.S. highway system and contributed to the car culture that would come to define much of 20th-century America.
