Just south of Madera, 1.75 miles south of Ave 12, and 2.1 miles north of Ave 9 (or more specifically at 06-MAD-99-05.7), there lies a pine tree and a palm tree in the median of Highway 99. It has been there since the 1920’s and marks the former halfway point in California. The Palm Tree, a Canary Island Date Palm, represents Southern California and the Pine Tree, a Deodor Cedar, represents Northern California. In 2005, the pine tree fell down but was replaced by Caltrans in 2007 as this is a somewhat historic marker. In the next couple of years, Caltrans District 6 intends to remove the Pine and Palm for a highway widening project. New trees are planned to the west of the current site but no marker at this time. For more information about this Caltrans project, please go to the link below:
https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-6/district-6-projects/06-0h220
We, the Historic Highway 99 Association of California, intend to have signs placed in both directions at this location to mark the historic site. While it might not exactly be the “halfway” point in California, it is close enough and has been there since the 1920’s. We are looking to work with local agencies such as the County of Madera, Caltrans District 6, City of Madera, and others to gain support and assistance with this effort. We already have a tentative design for the sign and cost estimates for its fabrication.
If you would like to be involved in this project (03-MAD21002), let us know! We can use help either through donations of labor or money. Any donations are likely tax-deductible as we are a 501c3 organization.
So Cool!! I used to drive past this spot countless times in the early 80’s, never having a clue what it’s significance was, until seeing one of Huell Howser’s episodes of California’s Gold or Road Trip. That’s am-MAY-zing!!