Ridge Route: The Road That United California [Hardcover]

Harrison Irving Scott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 13, 2002

An in depth history of California's 1915 Ridge Route highway, the 1933 Ridge Alternate highway (US Hwy. 99) and today's current I-5 Ridge Route. Considered an engineering marvel in 1915 this road conquered the mountain barrier separating northern and southern California and squelched various movements to divide California into two separate states.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Old road and the era in transportation development it represents comes most alive. -Lois H. McDonald -- Book Review Magazine

The book is a reference source. Almost every conceivable question a reader might ask about the Ridge Route is answered. -- Book Review Magazine, The Los Angeles Westerner August, 2003 John W. Robinson

The old road and the era in transportation development it represents comes most alive. (Excerpt) -- Lois H. McDonald, California Historian

Product Details

• Hardcover: 326 pages
• Publisher: Harrison Irving Scott (September 13, 2002)
• ISBN-10: 0615120008
• ISBN-13: 978-0615120003
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,088,917 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Road Tripper's Best Guidebook, March 15, 2003

By 

Mark Sedenquist (Las Vegas, NV United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ridge Route: The Road That United California (Hardcover)

One of the best road trip guide books I have ever read, "Ridge Route" provides a fascinating look into the history of the most outrageous highway construction projects of the 20th century. This little-known highway parallels the route of the present day I-5 near the Grapevine northwest of Los Angeles. The old highway features 627 curves over the course of about 30 miles and is a true historical gem. Harrison's book will keep you on the edge of your seat, whether you are reading it from the comfort of your study or perched on a turn-out on this remarkable highway. Harrison has included scores of old photographs documenting the history of the road and a wonderful collection of personal stories about the people who lived and worked around the road. This is a book that every fan of road trips should have in their collection.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ridge Route: The Road That United California, January 23, 2004

By 

Chris Brewer (Exeter, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ridge Route: The Road That United California (Hardcover)

Scotty's book gives us an in-depth look at the old road over the Tehachapi Mountains that scared even the most competent drivers. He was responsible for gaining recognition for this historic transportation route between the great San Joaquin Valley and the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles. Scotty has compiled a wonderful collection of material to share with the reader. Through his words and photographs, he shows the reader the early means of getting from one area to the other via motor car and truck. It is an invaluable reference for anyone studying the great central artery of California.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dennis, November 24, 2007

By 

D. Davis (Los Angeles Basin) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ridge Route: The Road That United California (Hardcover)

Back in the early 1950's, my dad would take the family to Yosemite every year. We'd travel from Los Angeles Basin, over the Grapevine, to Fresno and Yosemite. Though very young, I remembered the old road, before the Interstate 5 Freeway. I remembered many twists and turns and thought we were probably on the original Ridge Route. Years later when I was taking my own family to Yosemite, I'd look for traces of that old Ridge Route. Finally I turned to the Internet, where so much can be learned, and discovered this book on the Ridge Route by Harrison Scott. I ordered and read the book, only to discover that there was an original Ridge Route that I had never been on. It was a very interesting discovery.

The book is very easy reading and educational. I learned where the original Ridge Route was and that it can still be traveled today. The history of the Ridge Route was even more interesting than I had anticipated. It was fascinating. The road is not the only thing on that ridge of mountains. Oil, water, and electricity also come over the ridge. I also discovered that what I thought was the original Ridge Route, was actually the Alternate Ridge Route, the old Highway 99, when it had three-lanes. I remember the fourth lane being built.

Harrison Scott digs deep into the history of the Ridge Route. So much happened along that road. So many hotels, restaurants, gas stations, wild west roberies, and very interesting characters are associated with the route. Reading the book was a fascinating walk through the making of Los Angeles Basin, the joining of North and South California, the movers and shakers of early California and how they helped build the great Los Angeles Basin. I also enjoyed the many old photographs discovered by the author and reprinted in the book.

Anyone who enjoys history, especially of Southern California, will enjoy reading this book. Harrison Scott does a masterful job of bringing all that history together in a form that's both very interesting and entertaining. I highly recommend the book.