Photograph as originally submitted to this page in the Historical Marker Database www.HMdb.org. Click on photo to resize in browser. Scroll down to see metadata.

Photographer: Chris Bell
Taken: March 22, 2008
Caption: Plank Road
Additional Description: The Plank Road represents a glimpse into the pioneer spirit which helped settle Imperial Valley. Used from 1916 to 1926, this wooden road was important for early economic development and growth of Imperial County. It provided early motor vehicles with the only access across the treacherous Imperial Sand Dunes. This road is the last of three attempts to bridge the desert sands. The Plank Road was built in moveable 12 foot sections. This approach eased the problems of shifting dunes. The road was simply moved by teams of horses when buried or undercut.

The Plank Road is an extremely rare historic site. This is probably the only one of its kind existing today. This segment was saved by a cooperative effort by the Imperial Valley Pioneer Society, California Off Raod Vehicle Association, and The Bureau of Land Management.

Help protect this historic resource. it's a legacy for future Americans.

Funding for this sign donated by E Clampus Vitus, Squibob Chapter. Additional Plank Road information can be obtained at the BLM Office, El Centro, California.
Submitted: December 17, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California.
Database Locator Identification Number: p185010
File Size: 2.259 Megabytes

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