Near Lewiston in Nez Perce County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Lewiston Hill

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 7, 2018

1. Lewiston Hill Marker

El. 2,756 feet

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

When automobile traffic made steep old wagon roads obsolete, a remarkable new highway grade was built down this hill in 1917.
With a series of sharp curves that let cars go 20 or 30 miles an hour -- a good speed for that time -- a gradual 10-mile 2000-foot grade was designed. It still can be used by anyone not in too much of a hurry who wants to see an engineering model of early highway construction.

Erected by Idaho Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 417.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Idaho State Historical Society series list.

Location. 46° 27.618′ N, 117° 0.99′ W. Marker is near Lewiston, Idaho, in Nez Perce County. Marker is at the intersection of Old Spiral Highway and Beacon Drive, on the left when traveling west on Old Spiral Highway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 22729 Old Spiral Highway, Lewiston ID 83501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow

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flies. Steamboats (a few steps from this marker); Bert Zimmerly (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mackenzie's Post (approx. 1.2 miles away); Lewis Clark State College (approx. 1.2 miles away); The First Capital (approx. 1.2 miles away); John Silcott (approx. 2½ miles away); 18th St. Bridge (approx. 2½ miles away); Lewis and Clark (approx. 2.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewiston.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 7, 2018

2. Lewiston Hill Marker

The marker is at the center.

The Old Spiral Highway image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 7, 2018

3. The Old Spiral Highway

Lewiston in the background

C.C. Van Arscol image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 7, 2018

4. C.C. Van Arscol

In Memory of
C.C. Van Arscol
1851 - 1941
Engineer
Lewiston Hill Highway
Lue Mountain Highway
Northern Pacific Highway
Union Pacific Railway
Grand Trunk Pacific Railway

Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 345 times since then and 119 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 16, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.