Spanning from the early 1900s through the 1960's, this nostalgic ride through Northern California and Oregon is one of the most highly visual histories ever written on U. S. Highway 99. Vintage postcard images depict how the crudely constructed Pacific Highway transitioned into the modern and paved U. S. Highway 99, only to be mostly abandoned when the new interstate opened. Traversing a myriad of landscapes, Highway 99 meanders through quaint towns and big cities, past towering pines and snow-capped mountains as mighty rivers gush through steep rugged canyons toward the fertile valleys of Oregon. Adding to the grandeur of this scenic route are iconic landmarks such as Mt. Shasta, Mt. McLoughlin, and Mt. Hood. Mostly abandoned stretches of the old highway reveal the hauntingly sad remains of deserted motels, gas stations, and tourist spots, their images lovingly preserved. Learn why the Pacific Highway gets confused with the Pacific Coast Highway. Learn how Interstate 5 evolved from a crude one-lane dirt road. Learn how U. S. Highway 99 became historically designated. Learn how travelers transitioned from tent camping to cozy motels. Learn the perils and predicaments of early highway travel. Learn why Mom & Pop became a big part of roadside businesses. Contains more than 600 rare roadside images

From the myths of the Yokuts Indians, to stories and poems by famous contemporary writers, this anthology showcases the best literature of Californias Great Central Valley, and provides a rich view of the regions physical and emotional landscape

Before it was a modern freeway, California’s State Highway 99 was “the main street of California,” a simple two-lane road that passed through the downtowns of every city between the Mexican border and the Oregon state line. Highway 99: The History of California’s Main Street turns back the clock to those days when a narrow ribbon of asphalt tied the state’s communities together, with classic roadside attractions and plenty of fun along the way.

From the Columbia River to the Siskiyou Mountains, Highway 99 traverses 300 miles of western Oregon. Big cities and small towns, the level Willamette Valley and steep hills, rich agricultural lands and tall evergreen forests, and rushing rivers all lie along its path. Arising from an early network of emigrant trails, stagecoach routes, and farm-to-market roads, the highway had developed into Oregon's major transportation corridor by the end of the 19th century. The dawn of the automobile age saw an exponential increase in traffic, creating a greater demand for improved roads; these better roads, in turn, created yet more traffic for both business and recreation. Roadside businesses, such as auto courts, restaurants, and service stations, sprang up along the highway to cater to a new type of motorist--the tourist. Today, much of Highway 99 and its predecessor, the Pacific Highway, remain in daily use.

Documents the author's trip along Highway 50 from Ocean City, Maryland to Sacramento, California.

Minnesota-based writer and photographer Kazynski traces the transformation of the US from a network of places connected by rutted wagon trails to a maze of highways connected to other highways. He describes and illustrates road and bridge construction and the new roadside culture that threw up motels, restaurants, gas stations, and scenic perspectives.