Historical Marker · No. 845
Plank Road
Winterhaven, Imperial County · California
Erected by State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Imperial Valley Pioneers Association, October 16, 1971, 1971
A road that had to be moved to stay a road. Seven miles of planks in eight-by-twelve-foot sections, laid across the dunes so cars could get from the Imperial Valley to Yuma, and dragged back into line with horses every time the sand buried it. Turnouts were doubled sections, because the thing was one lane wide. The plaque dates it 1914 to 1927, which the state's own listing leaves out. Thirteen years, and then the highway went around.
What the plaque says
Plank Road 1914 to 1927 This unique plank road seven miles long was the only means early motorists had for crossing the treacherous Imperial sand dunes. The eight by twelve foot sections were moved with a team of horses whenever the shifting sands covered portions of the road. Double sections were placed at intervals to permit vehicles to pass. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 845 Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Imperial Valley Pioneers Association, October 16, 1971.
Where it stands
32.71030, -114.92313 · Directions