A weathered plaque. It whispers tales of journeys long past. This is the Old Santa Susana Stage Road Plaque. It marks a pivotal point in California’s history. This unassuming piece of sandstone tells a story of daring adventure. It speaks of a time before paved roads and fast cars.
The Old Santa Susana Stage Road. It wasn’t just a road. It was a lifeline. Linking Los Angeles and San Francisco. It was a vital artery for stagecoaches from 1861 to 1876. Before the railroad’s arrival. Imagine the dust and the clatter. The rhythmic beat of hooves on unforgiving terrain.
The road carved its way through the Santa Susana Pass. A treacherous route. Steep inclines and rocky passes. One section was notoriously difficult. Known as Devil’s Slide. Horses were often blindfolded for the descent. Passengers sometimes had to walk. The sheer drop was terrifying. The route demanded bravery and skill.
More than just a transportation route. The Old Santa Susana Stage Road played a key role during the American Civil War. The Butterfield Overland Mail’s southern route was disrupted. The stage road became essential for mail delivery between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It carried not only mail but also passengers.
William E. Lovett took over the mail contract in 1867. He carried mail and passengers. Even to San Diego. The road served as the primary route. Until the Southern Pacific Railroad opened a tunnel in 1876. Rail travel quickly replaced stagecoaches.
The Old Santa Susana Stage Road continued to see use. Though mostly local traffic. A new route bypassed Devil’s Slide in 1895. Later becoming Chatsworth Grade Road. Then the current Santa Susana Pass Road was built in 1917. Even today. Hikers can see wagon ruts on Devil’s Slide.
The Old Santa Susana Stage Road Plaque. Dedicated in 1939. A testament to the Native Daughters of the Golden West. They wanted to remember the history. A part of the road became a Historic-Cultural Monument. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
The plaque stands as a reminder. A reminder of the struggles. The resilience. The hardships. The journeys undertaken. On this very road. This seemingly ordinary plaque is extraordinary. It tells a story of perseverance. Of a significant pathway in the shaping of California’s history. The Old Santa Susana Stage Road. Remember its legacy.