California State Highway 1 came about through the partnership of
two men - Dr. John L. D. Roberts of Monterey, and State Senator
Elmer S. Rigdon of Cambria. Roberts felt that a modern highway
along the coast would facilitate the delivery of medical care to
those otherwise inaccessible areas. Rigdon represented the southern
districts in the State Senate and was a member of the committee on
roads and highways.
Together they lobbied the legislature for many years and
finally, in 1919, won passage of a 1.5 million dollar bond issue
towards construction. The building of the road begain in 1922 and
continued in fits and starts for many years.
Excavators and stonemasons uncovered many natural springs along
the way, and six of them were converted into water fountains for
the use of the traveling public. Elaborate stone basins and
fountains were constructed which have sadly fallen into
disrepair.
The highway was considered complete in 1937. Governor Frank
Merriam presided over a dedication ceremony at the Northernmost of
the fountains, named the Elmer s. Rigdon Memorial fountain in honor
of the man who championed the building of the beautiful road.
Senator Rigdon died in 1922, the same year that construction
began.
Ultimately costing over 10 million dollars to build (not
considering the cost of maintainence), the highway was dedicated to
former President Theodore Roosevelt. In later years it has become
known as the Cabrillo Highway, or just Highway 1.
Five of the fountains still exist. On a recent trip through the
area I was able to find three of them.
This cache is hidden at the Elmer S. Rigdon Memorial fountain.
Parking is available on the West side of the highway just a few
hundred feet South of the fountain.