Westgard Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Westgard Pass |
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Westgard Pass Sign on CA State Route 168
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| Elevation | 7,323 ft (2,232 m) |
| Traversed by |  SR 168 |
| Location | Inyo County, California, United States |
| Range | White Mountains/Inyo Mountains |
| Coordinates | 37°18′01″N 118°09′14″W / 37.30028°N 118.15389°W |
 Location in California
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Westgard Pass is a high mountain road in Inyo County, California, in the U.S. state of California. It is a special place where State Route 168 crosses over the mountains. The pass sits at an elevation of about 7,323 feet (2,232 meters) above sea level. It is located between the White Mountains and Inyo Mountains.
Westgard Pass is entirely inside the Inyo National Forest. State Route 168 is the only paved road that goes east and west across these mountains. This highway is famous for its amazing views and beautiful scenery. It connects the Owens Valley to Deep Springs Valley.
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History of Westgard Pass
Who Was Anton L. Westgard?
Westgard Pass is named after a very important person named Anton L. Westgard. He was born in Norway and became a key figure in building roads in the United States. Anton Westgard was the Vice President and Director of Transcontinental Highways for the National Highway Association. This group worked to create roads that crossed the entire country.
Westgard's Famous Journey
In 1911, Anton Westgard made a very successful trip across the United States in a vehicle. Because of this amazing journey, Inyo County and the State of California decided to name the pass after him. Westgard was even called "The Pathfinder" because he helped find the best places for the first highways that would cross the country.
The First Transcontinental Highways
The Federal Highway Administration asked Westgard to make this trip. They wanted him to research where the first big highways should go. His journey helped plan what would later become the famous Lincoln Highway. This was one of the first roads to connect the east and west coasts of the U.S.
A Pioneer in Truck Travel
While others had crossed the country in cars, Westgard said he was the first to do it in a truck. His truck was called a "Pioneer Freighter" and had 37 horsepower. This was a big achievement for its time.
