For National Historic Preservation
month, the Redlands Historical Society is sponsoring a celebration of the legacy of Highway 99
which traversed Redlands before the completion of the Interstate 10 freeway in
1962.
In 1936 Highway 99 was established
through the central part of Redlands which had been part of the “Ocean to Ocean
Highway” created in 1915. The state highway designation caused the renaming of
Water Street and Central Avenue. The completion of Interstate 10 freeway in
1962 caused the renaming of the Highway 99 to Redlands Boulevard.
Tom Atchley, president of the
Redlands Area Historical Society, will present a series of slides depicting a
collection of buildings and facilities that used to be frequented by travelers
on Highway 99. He will explore the historic impact that Highway 99 had on the
community of Redlands and what has happened since the construction of the
Interstate freeway.
Historical Society programs are free and open to the
public. The meeting will be held on Monday, May 23, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at the Contemporary Club at 175 Eureka Street. To attend via Zoom register in advance for
this webinar at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__ioArXG3QiyEDv_IylQ8jg
After registering, you will receive a
confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Highway 99 Historic Story Map
A story map has been developed showing the route of Highway 99 through Redlands highlighting the many significant structures that were located along Highway 99’s path through the city and its environs. Viewers of the Story Map will be able to view photos of the buildings and explore their surroundings by viewing historic Sanborn Insurance Maps and historic Aerial Photos. You can visit the Highway 99 Story Map by visiting the Society’s website www.rahs.org under the “Resources” section..