The Evolution of Transportation in Castle Rock: From Rails to Roads

The transportation history of Castle Rock, Washington, is a vivid reflection of the town's adaptation and growth amidst changing times. An early 1900s postcard captures a moment on the road from Avenue Southwest, where cars journey south beside the rock, towards what is now Lion's Pride Park. This visual slice of history introduces us to the foundational changes that shaped Castle Rock's landscape.

The Railroad Era Begins

In 1871, the heart of Castle Rock's transportation was its railroad, with two lines running through what is now Huntington Avenue. This infrastructure not only facilitated the movement of goods and people but also became a central aspect of the town's identity, with Huntington Memorial Park and its monuments marking the historic intersection of Front Ave., Southwest, and Huntington Ave., South.

Transition to Road Travel

Front Avenue, the original thoroughfare of Castle Rock, witnessed the dawn of a new era in 1911 when the Northern Pacific Railroad initiated the construction of a new double-track line from Portland to Tacoma, Washington. This new route, positioned to the east of Castle Rock, marked a shift in transportation dynamics. By September 23, 1911, trains were rerouted onto these new lines, leaving the old railroad through Front Street a relic of the past.

The construction of the Pacific Highway in 1913 further signaled the transition from rail to road. Completed by the spring of 1916, this road, following the old Northern Pacific right of way through the town, redefined Huntington Avenue as the new Pacific Highway, heralding the age of automobile travel.

Bypass and Beyond

The narrative of progress continued, and in 1953, Castle Rock was bypassed by the four-lane Highway 99 expressway, which would later evolve into the I-5 freeway. This development marked the end of an era, as the nostalgic days of traveling the Pacific Highway through the heart of Castle Rock gave way to the efficiency of freeway travel.

The evolution of transportation in Castle Rock, from the early dominance of the railroad to the rise of road travel and the eventual bypass by the freeway, reflects broader trends in American transportation history. Each phase brought its own challenges and opportunities, reshaping the town's landscape and its place within the region.