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Anniversary for one of WA’s most scenic highways

Anniversary for one of WA’s most scenic highways

Governor Dan Evans addresses the crowd at Newhalem at the opening of the North Cascades Highway in 1972. (Photo courtesy of Washington State Archives) One of Washington’s most scenic highways is celebrating its birthday. On Sept. 2, 1972 – 42 years ago – the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) opened to the public. While it is relatively young compared to other highways, it was a long time in the making. In 1895, the project received its first state dollars, and…

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July Archives treasures winner: ferry photos

July Archives treasures winner: ferry photos

(Photo courtesy of Washington State Archives) The voters have spoken on this month’s “Archives treasures” online poll. And the winner is the collection of old ferry photos and documents, capturing 45 percent of the vote to edge the historic photos and docs of the North Cascades Highway (41 percent). The photos related to the Olympic torch and Washington Olympians finished third (does that mean they get a bronze?) with 14 percent. Thanks to all who took part in the poll….

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Vote for fave July Archives treasure

Vote for fave July Archives treasure

The online poll is open. Now it’s time for you and others to choose your favorite Archives treasure for July. The three candidates: #1) Historic photos and documents of North Cascades Highway.  #2) Historic photos and documents of ferries.  #3) Photos related to Olympic torch and Washington Olympians. The online poll below is open until Friday at noon, so don’t forget to vote! We’ll blog about the winner Friday afternoon. [poll id=”19″]  

July Archives treasure #1: N. Cascades Highway documents

July Archives treasure #1: N. Cascades Highway documents

(A 1921 photo of the Cascade wagon road near Marblemount. Part of the WSDOT Photo Collection. Photo courtesy of Washington State Archives.) Sure, a drive over Stevens Pass or Snoqualmie Pass is very scenic, but you really haven’t experienced the Cascade Range in all of its majestic glory until you’ve traveled on the North Cascades Highway. Part of State Route 20, this highway opened in September 1972, nearly 80 years after the Washington Legislature first hatched the idea for a…

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Hard Times in Washington: Building mountain roads

Hard Times in Washington: Building mountain roads

Photo courtesy of Washington State Archives Anyone who has traveled across the scenic North Cascades Highway (SR 20) knows how long and beautiful it is. Just imagine how difficult it was to construct it. Opened in 1972, the highway that connects the Skagit Valley and Methow Valley took decades to build through this remote part of Washington. This 1968 photo shows one of the highway bridges being constructed. October is Washington Archives Month. Go here to learn more about Archives…

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