No Name in Garfield County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

The California Zephyr

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 7, 2018

1. The California Zephyr Marker

Inscription. Glenwood Canyon inspired the finest hour in American rail travel. During World War II a railroad official rode through here in the cab of a diesel freight locomotive. The view from the panoramic windshield so impressed him that he began steps to rig cars with glass domes so all passengers might share his experience of the canyon. His vision led to the 1949 opening of the California Zephyr – a spectacular passenger line between Chicago and San Francisco. Five of the Zephyr's eleven cars were equipped with "Vista-Domes," raised glass-top roofs which allowed riders a panoramic view of the Colorado Rockies. The all too soon, the Zephyr—America's great "national asset"—fell victim to a more hurried age. Its last 2,532 mile run came on March 22, 1970.

Erected by the Colorado Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Features • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is March 22, 1970.

Location. 39° 33.62′ N, 107° 17.454′ W. Marker is in No Name, Colorado, in Garfield County. Marker can be reached from Interstate 70 Frontage Road at milepost 119 east of No Name Lane (County Road 129). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1308 CR-129, Glenwood Springs CO 81601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A Grand Boulevard (within shouting distance of this marker); Illuminating the Future (approx. 1.8 miles away); The Glenwood Springs Hydroelectric Plant (approx. 1.8 miles away); Rex Hotel (approx. 1.9 miles away); Star Hotel (approx. 1.9 miles away); Hotel Denver (approx. 1.9 miles away); When the Railroads Arrived in Glenwood Springs (approx. 2 miles away); Water for Glenwood Springs (approx. 2 miles away).

More about this marker. Located in the No Name CDOT Rest Stop. Although directly linked to the nearby canyon and creek of the same name--or lack thereof--the community No Name received its name after Interstate 70 was constructed. Shortly after its completion, the Colorado Department of Transportation set out to improve signage. A DOT official noticed the region did not have a name and wrote "No Name" for Exit 119, the ramp a motorist would take to access the area.

Over time, locals began to accept the name No Name for their region, and it began to gain recognition because of the oddity. High-level state officials attempted to give the area a proper name, but locals reportedly balked at such a suggestion and No Name endured as the unincorporated area's formal name.

The No Name Tunnel of I-70 is nearby. It has frequently been

The California Zephyr Marker in distance at Glenwood Canyon. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 7, 2018

2. The California Zephyr Marker in distance at Glenwood Canyon.

noted on lists of unusual place names.

Also see . . . YouTube video of a 1950's California Zephyr. At about 11:22, the train enters Glenwood Canyon. (Submitted on July 14, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

The California Zephyr Marker looking east into the canyon. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 7, 2018

3. The California Zephyr Marker looking east into the canyon.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 212 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 14, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.