Beyond the Columbia River and the eye-catching majesty or the ‘Gorge’ rock formations, is the Historic Columbia River Highway. It parallels Interstate 84. It was hugely innovative in its day and one of my most enjoyable observations along that old highway is the stonework by Italian stone masons that is still quite evident today.
The WyEast Blog provides a very informative review on the stone construction of the Scenic Highway entitled Stone Walls of the Columbia River Highway. One thing you don’t see as much is the vertical stacking of rocks in the construction.
If you have a historical bent for the history of road construction up the Gorge and how it influenced American road construction then you need to look at the site Historic Columbia River Highway for lots of history.
I’ve found myself drawn to the work of stonemasons in many parts of the world (I’ve been to 50 countries so far), and it’s great to see another who really appreciates their lasting legacies! -Gary
LikeLike
Gorgeousness in the Gorge! Great shots. So much of the west coast’s fantastic stonemasonry dates to the WPA days of forging through with roads and bridges, and it stands as a long-lived testament to both the positive effects of keeping people working at useful trades and the beauty of their work products.
LikeLike
Interesting construction, and obviously very sturdy considering how many years it’s been standing. Weathers well, too! ~SueBee
LikeLike
very beautiful.
LikeLike
Much appreciated
LikeLike