In hiking through this area, and because of my Engineering/Mapping background, I have always been interested in the history of roads and the many variations (especially in this pass) that the roads have gone through over the years. Thanks to Alexander D. Bevil's extensive report at Santa Susana State Historic Park for so much history and background information.
I hope to clarify in simple terms where the roads were and approximate years of use.
A simple history of the Santa Susana Pass.
Overview map 1
showing original layout of the Indian Trail which later became know by El Camino de Santa Susana y Simi, El Puerto Zuelo de Santa Susana, among other names. It is currently referred to as "Old Santa Susana Trail".
Old Santa Susana Trail was in use as a shortcut for the El Camino Real starting before the 1800's.
In 1858-1861 the Old Santa Susana Trail was improved by T. W. More and James P. Thompson (mostly Thompson) with monies from Santa Barbara and Los Angeles Counties.
Shortly thereafter "Larry's Mountain Station" was in use (til about 1874). Operated by Lawrence Howard, the station was reportedly on the Simi Side of the Pass, near the present day entrance to the Railroad tunnel #26.
Overview Map 2
In 1895, Los Angeles County built the "El Camino Nuevo" or "Chatsworth Grade Road" on the LA County side to circumvent the narrow steep section of Old Santa Susana Trail called "The Devil's Slide". At the top of the Pass, the Chatsworth Grade Road connected up with the Old Santa Susana Trail just after Lilac Lane. Portions are still visable in the canyon North of Lilac Lane.
In 1904, Railroad Tunnel #26 was completed under the Pass.
Overview Map 3
In 1917, the present day Santa Susana Pass Road was built. Only the portion going from near Lilac Lane to just after Rocky Peak Road follow any of the original trails or roads.
Then came the freeway and most people stopped using the Pass altogether.
See other posts regarding hikes through the area with information and history of the trails.
I hope to clarify in simple terms where the roads were and approximate years of use.
A simple history of the Santa Susana Pass.
Overview map 1
showing original layout of the Indian Trail which later became know by El Camino de Santa Susana y Simi, El Puerto Zuelo de Santa Susana, among other names. It is currently referred to as "Old Santa Susana Trail".
Old Santa Susana Trail was in use as a shortcut for the El Camino Real starting before the 1800's.
In 1858-1861 the Old Santa Susana Trail was improved by T. W. More and James P. Thompson (mostly Thompson) with monies from Santa Barbara and Los Angeles Counties.
Shortly thereafter "Larry's Mountain Station" was in use (til about 1874). Operated by Lawrence Howard, the station was reportedly on the Simi Side of the Pass, near the present day entrance to the Railroad tunnel #26.
Overview Map 2
In 1895, Los Angeles County built the "El Camino Nuevo" or "Chatsworth Grade Road" on the LA County side to circumvent the narrow steep section of Old Santa Susana Trail called "The Devil's Slide". At the top of the Pass, the Chatsworth Grade Road connected up with the Old Santa Susana Trail just after Lilac Lane. Portions are still visable in the canyon North of Lilac Lane.
In 1904, Railroad Tunnel #26 was completed under the Pass.
Overview Map 3
In 1917, the present day Santa Susana Pass Road was built. Only the portion going from near Lilac Lane to just after Rocky Peak Road follow any of the original trails or roads.
Then came the freeway and most people stopped using the Pass altogether.
See other posts regarding hikes through the area with information and history of the trails.
No comments:
Post a Comment