Early Views of Cahuenga Pass

 
Drawing showing an early view of the area later to become part of the Cahuenga Pass. The drawing shows a wagon pulled by horses travelling on a road through hills with the caption, "The drive to Cahuenga Vista."*  

 

Historical Notes

The Cahuenga Pass has long been a convenient shortcut between the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles Basin. The first Southern Californians likely blazed a foot-trail millennia ago, and by the late 18th century the villagers of Cabueg-na or Kaweenga (the origin of the name "Cahuenga") near Universal Studios regularly trekked through the pass.

In 1852, a steep wagon road replaced the old trail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1890)* - A dirt road in area later to become part of the Cahuenga Pass.  

 

Historical Notes

The pass was also the site of two major battles, the Battle of Cahuenga Pass in 1831 (a fight between local settlers and the Mexican-appointed governor and his men, two deaths), and the Battle of Providencia or Second Battle of Cahuenga Pass in 1845 (between locals over whether to secede from Mexico. One horse and one mule killed). Both battles were on the San Fernando Valley side near present-day Studio City, and cannonballs are still occasionally found during excavations in the area. Along the route of the historic El Camino Real, the historic significance of the pass is also marked by a marker along Cahuenga Boulevard which names the area as Paseo de Cahuenga.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then and Now

 
 
(1890 vs. 2021) - Barham looking SW toward Cahuenga.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1882)* - Before roads and rail lines were built, traveling through the Cahuenga Pass was by wagons and horses or on foot. This picture was taken at the summit. There is a saloon concealed among the trees.  

 

Historical Notes

The pass was also the site of two major battles, the Battle of Cahuenga Pass in 1831 (a fight between local settlers and the Mexican-appointed governor and his men, two deaths), and the Battle of Providencia or Second Battle of Cahuenga Pass in 1845 (between locals over whether to secede from Mexico. One horse and one mule killed). Both battles were on the San Fernando Valley side near present-day Studio City, and cannonballs are still occasionally found during excavations in the area. Along the route of the historic El Camino Real, the historic significance of the pass is also marked by a marker along Cahuenga Boulevard which names the area as Paseo de Cahuenga.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1882)* - View of the summit of Cahuenga Pass with a saloon, Cahuenga Tavern, situated between the tall eucalyptus trees.  

 

Historical Notes

Cahuenga is the Spanish name for the Tongva village of Kawengna, meaning place of the mountain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eight Mile House (aka Cahuenga Tavern or Pass Hotel)

 
(n.d.)* - View of Cahuenga Tavern, also known as Eight Mile House, situated between eucalyptus near the summit of Cahuenga Pass.  

 

Historical Notes

The Eight Mile House, also known as the Cahuenga Tavern or Pass Hotel, was a prominent landmark at the summit of Cahuenga Pass, named for its location eight miles from downtown Los Angeles. Built in the 1870s, it served travelers until around 1920 as a hotel, toll station, and store. Nestled among eucalyptus trees, it was described as a "raunchy restaurant, saloon, and gambling parlor."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1905)* - Close-up view of Cahuenga Tavern.  It was set back among the trees at the top of the Cahuenga Pass for those travelers going through.  

 

Historical Notes

The Eight Mile House was crucial in the development of transportation through the pass, acting as a rest stop for stagecoaches that crossed frequently by the late 19th century. The establishment fell into decay and was demolished around 1920, aligning with the modernization of transportation, including road widening and the rise of automobiles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1908)* - Postcard view showing the Cahuenga Tavern (also known as Eight Mile House) on summit of Cahuenga Pas with two automobiles in foreground.  

 

 

 

 

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(ca. 1890)* - High-angle view of Cahuenga Pass near North Hollywood, with road between mountains and stagecoach stop at right center.  

 

Historical Notes

In the center of the photograph was a coach stop where people could stay overnight. It was owned by Geronimo Lopez. The road was narrow enough so that if two teams of horses met, the heaviest one won, the lighter one had to back down. Lightning would hit the horses during storms and was considered a very dangerous pass to cross. Miguel Leonis was killed in the Pass.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1894)* - Early view of area later to become part of the Cahuenga Pass. A road is visible in the photograph with what appears to be a horse-pulled buggy, and another team of horses in the lower right hand corner.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Early Travel through Cahuenga Pass

 
(1892)* - Stopping to camp and cook along the journey through Cahuenga Pass. Before roads and rail lines were built, travel through the pass was by wagons and horses.  

 

Historical Notes

During the 19th century, Cahuenga Pass saw significant development. By the 1850s, ox-carts and mule-teams were crossing the hills through the pass, and in 1858, the Butterfield Overland Mail Company stage made its first crossing. The 1870s brought the construction of the Pass Hotel, also known as Eight Mile House, which served as a toll station and store.

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1901)* - Cahuenga Pass Road at Whitley looking northwest. Photo by C.C. Pierce  

 

Historical Notes

Cycling through Cahuenga Pass around 1900 presented several challenges. The road was primarily designed for ox-carts, mule-teams making the terrain rough and uneven for cyclists.

The road through the pass was continually widened to handle increasing traffic. In 1911, the Pacific Electric railway extended its tracks through the pass, and by 1920, traffic jams were common, prompting various improvement plans.

 

 

 

 

 

 
(2022)* - Google Earth View looking northwest on Cahuenga Boulevard at Whitley Avenue.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then and Now

 
(1901 vs. 2022)* - Looking northwest on Cahuenga Pass Road (now Cahuenga Boulevard) at Whitley in the Hollywood Hills. While the angles of the images differ and the road has been graded and lowered over time, the outline of the ridges has remained relatively unchanged.  

 

 

 

 

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(ca. 1903)* - View of early Cahuenga Pass as seen from the Hollywood side. The road runs around and through a cultivated area.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1905)* – Early view of Cahuenga Pass showing a farmer in his field behind a horse-drawn plow.  Two structures are seen in the background.  

 

Historical Notes

As late as 1914, filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille rented a wooden cabin in the pass as his home. He rode daily into his studio on horseback -- with a revolver on his hip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1905)* – Early view of Cahuenga Pass showing a farmer in his field behind a horse-drawn plow.  Two structures are seen in the background. Image enhancement and colorization by Richard Holoff  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1906)* - Early view of Highland Avenue north of Hollywood Boulevard as it winds its way toward Cahuenga Pass. Some buildings are visible with hills in the background.  

 

Historical Notes

This is one of the earliest views of Highland Avenue entering Cahuenga Pass.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1910)* - Residents of the Pisgah Home in Los Angeles making their way through the Cahuenga Pass to an event at the Pisgah Gardens in Lankershim.  

 

Historical Notes

The Pisgah Home movement begun by faith healer and social reformer, Finis E. Yoakum.  In 1900 Yoakum formed an institution that was initially known as Yoakum's Sanatorium at his house in the Highland Park section of Los Angeles. The home originally had room for only eight persons and was founded "to give free care to drunkards and outcasts who wished to reform."

By 1903, Yoakum's Sanatorium had become the "Pisgah Faith Home", named after the mountain peak from which the Bible indicates that Moses first saw the promised land. Yoakum used his barn as a tabernacle for church services and also as additional living space for patients. Yoakum and the Pisgah Home movement became well-known not only in Los Angeles but nationally and internationally. The Pisgah Home was supported by voluntary offerings, and no specific charges were made for care or treatment. As Yoakum's fame spread, donations came in from all over the world to support its operations. The inmates (as they were known) were fed simple home-cooked meals, instructed on the Bible, then bathed and put to work around the home. Among the tasks given to the residents was the construction of a lavish Tudor-style mansion which became Yoakum's new home at 140 South Avenue 59, and has itself been designated a historic landmark.

As the Pisgah Home movement became successful, Yoakum built other facilities. Pisgah Ark was built in Arroyo Seco where "wayward girls" and prostitutes were sheltered and taught midwifery under the direction of Sister Nell. Pisgah Gardens was built in North Hollywood, where beds were maintained for 100 patients suffering from tuberculosis, cancer and mental disorders. Yoakum also built the Pisgah Store in Arroyo Seco where donated clothing and other goods were distributed free of charge. There was also a gospel mission in West Los Angeles.

By 1914, Pisgah Home had outgrown its facilities, and Yoakum bought a 3,300 ranch in the Santa Susana Mountains north of Simi Valley, California. Yoakum paid $50,000 for the property, and there he built Pisgah Grande, a residential and religious utopian community that has since been reclaimed by nature.^

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1913)* - Old Cahuenga Pass Road, lined with trees, with fence at right.  

 

Historical Notes

In 1913, the Cahuenga Pass Road remained a primitive route, narrow enough that if two horse teams met, the heavier one would prevail while the lighter one had to back down. The road was unpaved, likely consisting of just a dirt track winding through the mountains, and lightning strikes on horses crossing the pass were considered a significant danger.

 

 

 

 

 

Cahuenga Pass Trolley

 
(1911)* - Tracks are being built through the hills of the Cahuenga Pass as shown on the right side of this picture. On the lower road can be seen supplies coming and going by teams of horses and wagons  

 

Historical Notes

In 1911, General Sherman (as he was called) added an extraordinary streetcar line. Built over Cahuenga Pass, through North Hollywood to the 1911 town site of Van Nuys, and on to the 1912 town site Owensmouth, now Canoga Park.

Along with the streetcar line, Moses Sherman also built the "$500,000 boulevard" named Sherman Way next to the tracks all of which were the key to the development of the Valley. By 1912, 45 minute streetcar service from Van Nuys to downtown and the "no speed limit" paved road (if you could get your "Model A" to do 30 mph) were key selling points.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1911)* - Sightseers checking out the new Pacific Electric trolley line being built in the Cahuenga Pass between Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley.  

 

Historical Notes

The original April 9, 1911, Los Angeles Times caption reported:

Electric Line to Van Nuys Through Cahuenga Pass. This picture shows the railroad as now laid to the highest point in the gap which unites Hollywood with the rich San Fernando Valley. The road will be in operation early in the summer. Express trains connecting the town of Van Nuys with Los Angeles will make only one stop, Hollywood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1920)* - Cars travel on the road past a sign reading "This is Hollywood." Below and to the left is the rail line, which also goes through the Cahuenga Pass. A trolley car is traveling on the tracks.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1921)**# - View of the highway through the Cahuenga Pass showing a car parked on the side of the road next to what appears to be a Eucalyptus tree.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1920s)* - Postcard view looking north showing the Hollywood Hills from Mulholland Drive, with a few houses in the foreground and a faint view of the "Hollywoodland" sign in the upper right.  Cahuenga Pass runs between the rolling hills at center and the mountains in the background.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1922)* - View of Cahuenga Pass looking east towards Hollywood. On the left are the railroad tracks, and paralleling them on the right is the road for cars.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1922)* - Aerial view of Cahuenga Pass with the San Fernando Valley in the background.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1923)^ - View of Cahuenga Pass looking toward Hollywood from a new road leading from Holly Crest Station to a dam in Weid Canyon (Mulholland Dam).  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1923)^ – Postcard view of Cahuenga Pass looking toward Hollywood.  A cross can be seen on top of the hills in the background.  

 

Historical Notes

The 32-foot-high steel cross at 2580 Cahuenga Boulevard in the Hollywood Hills was erected in 1923 to the memory of Christine Wetherill Stevenson.

The Pilgrimage Play Theatre was built in 1920 by the author Christine Wetherill Stevenson.  She believed the rugged beauty of the Cahuenga Pass would provide a dramatic outdoor setting for The Pilgrimage Play. Together with Mrs. Chauncey D. Clark, she purchased this land along with that on which the Hollywood Bowl now sits. A wooden, outdoor amphitheater was built on this site and the play was performed by noted actors every summer from 1920 to 1929, until the original structure was destroyed by a brush fire in October 1929.

In 1976, the Pilgrimage Theatre was renamed the John Anson Ford Theatre in honor of the late L.A. County Supervisor's significant support of the arts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1920s)* - View of the broad highway on Cahuenga Pass - the lowest through the Santa Monica Mountains - that connects the Los Angeles Basin to the San Fernando Valley. The hills are truncated where they were excavated for the road bed. A street vendor is setup on the curb and although the utility poles are standing, the electric cables have not been strung. A roll of cable sits next to a pole, left.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1928)* - View of Cahuenga Pass Road, south from the Summit. Railway tracks are on the left.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1930)* – View showing a Universal Studios Lumber Convoy on Cahuenga Pass Road. Photo Date: 12/31/30  

 

Historical Notes

Greatest single truck shipment of lumber ever moved over American highways at one time parades through Los Angeles streets as 100 motor trucks and trailers, carrying almost a million board feet representing a year's supply for Universal Studios, is escorted across town from Los Angeles Harbor by a convoy of police.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1930)* - Aerial view of Cahuenga Pass looking northwest. Whitley Heights is at the left. The Hollywood Bowl is located at center left (out of view).  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca.1928)* - Cars travel in both directions through the Cahuenga Pass near the Hollywood Bowl. The roadway through the Pass, the lowest through the Santa Monica Mountains, connects the Los Angeles Basin to the San Fernando Valley. The hills are truncated where they were excavated for the road bed. On the left, a large hillside billboard advertises the The Outpost development in the Hollywood Hills. A roadside vendor is setup near the Hollywood Bowl parking sign on the right.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1930)* – View showing Pacific Electric car #710 inbound from the San Fernando Valley through Cahuenga Pass.  The streetcar is at the Hollywood Bowl exit at the corner of Highland Ave and Cahuenga Blvd., heading south on Highland to Santa Monica Blvd.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1930)* - Aerial view of the Hollywood Bowl looking east. The neighborhood of Whitley Heights is at the center of photo. The serpentine Cahuenga Boulevard can be seen as it extends out of Cahuenga Pass (middle-left) toward Hollywood (upper-right).  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1931)* - Looking down into the site of the future Pilgrimage Play Theatre, revealing the Cahuenga Pass and the Hollywood Bowl in the background. The new structure will resemble the architecture of the Holy Land for the purposes of the play performed there. The previous amphitheater on the site was built in 1920, but a brush fire in October 1929 destroyed that wooden structure.  

 

Historical Notes

In 1976, the Pilgrimage Theatre was renamed the John Anson Ford Theatre in honor of the late L.A. County Supervisor's significant support of the arts. John Anson Ford (1883–1983) helped found the L.A. County Arts Commission, encouraged the Board of Supervisors to support the building of the Music Center and led the County's acquisition of Descanso Gardens, among many other achievements.

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1938)* - Birdseye view looking west over Cahuenga Boulevard. The Hollywood Bowl can be seen at upper-left.  At lower center-right a large sign reads:  The Berries Dining and Coca Cola  

 

Historical Notes

The Cahuenga Pass was an essential route connecting Hollywood to the San Fernando Valley. In 1938, major infrastructure improvements were planned to ease traffic congestion, including the construction of a new freeway. At the time, the existing road handled both cars and Pacific Electric Railway trolleys. The "Cahuenga Pass Freeway" would eventually open in June 1940.

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1938)*   – Heading home toward the San Fernando Valley on Cahuenga Boulevard past the entrance to the Hollywood Bowl. A restaurant with an over-sized sign on the right invites you to stop and have steaks / chops with a tall glass of Coca Cola.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1938)* - This windshield view looking north on Highland at Cahuenga captures a woman holding a dog in her lap in the passenger seat, two police officers speaking to two different cars at a police checkpoint, and surrounding businesses like the Los Angeles Pet Cemetery (2500 North Highland) and signs including a Coca Cola billboard. This area has changed due to the 101 freeway. Photo from the Herman J Schultheis Collection.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then and Now

 
(1938 vs 2023)* – Looking north on Cahuenga Boulevard just past the entrance to the Hollywood Bowl. Photo comparison by Trey Callaway.  

 

Historical Notes

The above section of Cahuenga Boulevard is located between the Hollywood Bowl entrance and Pilgrimage Bridge with the Hollywood Freeway seen on the right.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(2023)* - Google Earth view showing the approximate location of the previous photo, situated between the Hollywood Bowl entrance and Pilgrimage Bridge.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1938)* - This view of a Mulholland Highway directional sign, which is attributed to the Automobile Club and includes an AAA logo, is taken from the Cahuenga Pass where Cahuenga meets Mulholland. The natural hillside is visible to the east because this is before the 101 freeway was built. The name of the road would be changed to Mulholland Drive in 1939.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1930s)* - View looking northwest of Cahuenga Pass with the Pilgrimage Play Theatre parking lot in the foreground.  Cahuenga runs from the foreground at left towards the San Fernando Valley at upper center-right. The Hollywood Bowl is out of view to the left.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1930s)^ - Panoramic aerial view of Hollywood showing the Chauenga Pass as it heads towards the San Fernando Valley.  The major street running from bottom left diagonally up toward the Cahuenga Pass is Highland Avenue.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cahuenga and Highland

 
(1937)* - Postcard view looking north showing Cahuenga Pass where Highland Avenue converges with Cahuenga Boulevard, "The Gateway to Hollywood".  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1937)* - Panoramic view looking toward the southeast corner of Cahuenga (left) and Highland Ave (right).  Streetcars and automobiles share the road at this busy intersection. A Texaco service station stands on the corner with the Hollywood Roosevelt Plaza Hotels behind it (Note: this hotel is not related to the famous Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard).  

 

Historical Notes

This little nestle of buildings was known as the French Village. It was set on a triangular plot of land at the point where Highland Avenue and Cahuenga Boulevard converged as they entered the Cahuenga Pass. This puts it roughly across the street from the front entrance of the Hollywood Bowl. It opened in 1920, and throughout the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, the French Village was home to a revolving community of actors, writers, costume designers, dance instructors and singing coaches.

In 1937, to relieve traffic congestion at this busy Cahuenga and Highland intersection, a tunnel was bored under Highland Avenue. Note: A large construction boring tractor can be seen at center of photo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1937)* - View looking southeast toward Whitley Heights showing the construction of a tunnel (Cahuenga Tunnel) under Highland Avenue. Cahuenga Boulevard veers off to the left and would become the location of the Hollywood Freeway in the early 1950s.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1938)* - View looking southeast showing the Cahuenga and Highland intersection shortly after a tunnel was bored to relieve congestion. US 101 traffic took the tunnel. Highland Ave traffic went to the right.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1938)^ - Looking southeast at Whitley Heights across the intersection of Cahuenga Boulevard shortly after the construction of the new underpass to Highland Avenue. The entrance to the Hollywood Bowl is just beyond the shoulder of the hill on the right.  

 

Historical Notes

The seriously complicated solution to the traffic pattern was largely eliminated in the coming years through the realignment and widening of Caheunga.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1940s)* - View looking northwest showing Cahuenga Pass as it heads toward the San Fernando Valley.  The tunnel at center-right (since closed) extended Highland Boulevard to the north, under the Freeway. The Hollywood Bowl is on left (out of view) on the other side of the freeway.  

 

Historical Notes

This entire area would change pemanently with the construction of the Hollywood Freeway. The first segment of the Hollywood Freeway built was a two mile stretch through the Cahuenga Pass. That segment opened on June 15, 1940. It was then known as the "Cahuenga Pass Freeway." Pacific Electric Railway trolleys ran down the center of this freeway until 1952.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1940s)* - Aerial view showing where Highland Avenue merges with Cahuenga Boulevard and forms the new freeway through Cahuenga Pass (Cahuenga Pass Freeway). The Hollywood Bowl is visible at lower left and the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre off of Cahuenga Boulevard at center right, with the Hollywood Reservoir seen in the hills beyoned (upper right). Photo from the Ernest Marquez Collection.  

 

Historical Notes

When the two-mile stretch through the Cahuenga Pass opened in 1940, it was known as the "Cahuenga Pass Freeway." It was not yet called the Hollywood Freeway at that time. The designation as the Hollywood Freeway came later when the freeway was extended towards Downtown Los Angeles and officially renamed upon completion in 1954.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1951)* - Bird's eye view of the Hollywood Freeway through the Cahuenga Pass, looking towards the Valley. The Cahuenga Tunnel under Highland Avenue can be seen at lower center-left. The "Muse of Music" Statue at the entrance to the Hollywood Bowl is visible just to the left of the tunnel as is part of the Hollywood Bowl shell (center-left).  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before and After

 
 
(1938)* vs. (1953)* - View is looking south, with bottom photo showing how the final link of Hollywood Freeway will connect up with the south end of Cahuenga Pass. Tunnel (3) will be eliminated, and a new bridge constructed (broken lines). (1) Shows detour for southbound traffic from Cahuenga Pass to Highland Avenue (2) and on around bridge construction work (left background).  

 

Historical Notes

In 1953, the Cahuenga Tunnel would be demolished and built over for the construction of the Hollywood Freeway Extension (Cahuenga Pass to Downtown LA).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1954)* - Newly reconstructed NB Cahuenga Pkwy (now Hollywood Fwy US-101) at Highland Ave; view SE from Pilgrimage Bridge.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before and After

 
(1938 vs. 1954)* – View showing the NB Cahuenga Pkwy (now Hollywood Freeway US-101) before and after reconstruction at Highland Avenue as seen from the Pilgrimage Bridge.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(2020s)* - Contemporary view as seen from the Pilgrimage Bridge. Photo courtesy of Mark Newton-John.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then and Now

 
(1954 vs. 2020s)* – View looking toward Whitley Heights and the Highland Avenue on-ramp to the NB Hollywood Freeway (US -101) as seen from the Pilgrimage Bridge.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before and After (Annotated)

 
(1938 vs. 1954)* – View showing the NB Cahuenga Pkwy (now Hollywood Freeway US-101) before and after reconstruction at Highland Avenue as seen from the Pilgrimage Bridge.  

 

 

 

 

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Cahuenga Pass at Mulholland Drive

 
(1930s)^ – Postcard view showing Cahuenga Pass entering Hollywood before the Mulholland Bridge with streetcar running in center median.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1939)* - Looking NW over Cahuenga Pkwy (US-101, later Hollywood Fwy) construction near present-day Mulholland Dr overcrossing with Cahuenga Blvd in foreground.  

 

 

 

 

 

Mulholland Drive Viaduct

 
(ca. 1939)* - View of Cahuenga Pass looking towards Hollywood showing the construction of the Mulholland Drive Bridge. Mulholland Drive (originally Mulholland Highway) can be seen winding its way up the hill at right.  

 

Historical Notes

When it officially opened on December 27, 1924, Mulholland Highway was 24 miles long, running from Cahuenga Pass to Calabasas. The name was changed to Mulholland Drive in 1939.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1940)* – View showing the newly completed Cahuenga Pass Freeway looking southwest toward Hollywood with the Mulholland Drive overcrossing at center. The Pacific Electric Railway tracks are visible in the median.  

 

 

 

 

 

Cahuenga Pass Freeway

 
(ca. 1940)* - Panoramic view of Hollywood looking northwest toward the Cahuenga Pass. The newly constructed Hollywood Freeway through Cahuenga Pass (known as Cahuenga Pass Freeway) is visible at the top of the photo, with the San Fernando Valley far off in the distance (compare to previous photo).  

 

Historical Notes

Built at a cost of $1.5 million and partly financed by the federal Public Works Administration (PWA), the two-mile Cahuenga Pass Freeway eliminated a notorious bottleneck at the place where one of the state's first highways -- El Camino Real -- crossed the Santa Monica Mountains.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1940)* – View showing the new Cahuenga Freeway at the Barham exit before its official opening.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1940)* - View showing the dedication ceremony for the Cahuenga Pass Freeway on Jun 15, 1940.   

 

Historical Notes

From left to right:  Tom Keene, honorary mayor of Sherman Oaks, Governor Culbert Olson, John B. Kingsley, president of Hollywood Chanber of Commerce, Mayor Fletcher Bowron of Los Angeles, actor and singer Gene Autry, honorary mayor of North Hollywood, Mayor Frank C. Gillson of Burbank, and actor Richard Arlen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1940)* - Aerial view looking southeast showing the new Cahuenga Pass Freeway with the Hollywood Reservoir seen at upper left.  

 

Historical Notes

The Cahuenga Pass freeway replaced a narrow, winding road between Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley with an eight-lane superhighway. A pair of Pacific Electric rails ran down the freeway's center divider.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1940)* – View looking north toward the Mulholland Drive Bridge showing traffic in both directions of the Cahuenga Pass Freeway.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1940)* - View shows the Cahuenga Pass Freeway, later the Hollywood Freeway, near the Hollywood Bowl. Mulholland Drive Bridge (built in 1940) can be seen in the background.  A car appears stopped on the side of the freeway.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1942)* - View showing a caravan of woody wagons (aka "Station Wagon Brigade") heading north through Cahuenga Pass near the Barham exit.  

 

Historical Notes

Also known as the 1st Evacuation Corps, the "Station Wagon Brigade" was formed in response to the fears that the anticipated Japanese invasion would require a massive evacuation of Southern California. Sort of like the “taxicab army” of the First World War, it was planned to organize and use civilian station wagons to evacuate families and individuals without personal transportation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1943)* - View looking northwest of Cahuenga Pass Freeway with fairly light traffic. Note the Pacific Electric tracks in the center median.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1940s)* – Close-up view showing the tracks in the center median of Cahuenga Pass.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1953)^.^ - Cahuenga Pass after the center median tracks have been removed (compare to previous photo).  In the distance can be seen the Highland off-ramp under construction. 1952 was the last year Pacific Electric Railway trolleys ran down the center of the "Cahuenga Pass Freeway", (Hollywood Freeway). Photo by Richard C. Miller  

 

 

 

 

 

Mulholland Bridge

 
(1947)*^#* – Postcard view looking southeast showing the Mullholland Drive Bridge (built in 1940) crossing the Cahuenga Pass Freeway (later Hollywood Freeway), the “Gateway to Hollywood", with Mulholland Drive winding up into the Hollywood Hills in the upper-right.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1947)* - View of Cahuenga Pass looking towards Hollywood at the Mulholland Bridge.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1950s)* – Cahuenga Pass as seen from the Mulholland Overpass looking towards Hollywood.  

 

 

 

 

 

Franciscan Motel

 
(1949)* - View showing the Franciscan Motel, overlooking the Hollywood Bowl. Photo by Julius Shulman.  

 

Historical Notes

The buildings nearest the freeway were demolished sometime between 1972 and 1980. The ones at the back of the lot, however, survive today. They are now in what seems to be the north parking lot of the Ford Theatre.

Click HERE for contemporary view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1949)* – View looking northwest across Cahuenga Pass.  The complex on the north side of the pass is the Franciscan Motel (no longer standing) whose entrance was directly opposite the Pilgrimage Bridge. Click HERE for contemporary view.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1951)* – Close-up view showing the front of the Franciscan Motel in Cahuenga Pass.  Photo by Julius Shulman  

 

 

 

 

 

Cahuenga Pass Extension to Vineland

 
(1947)* - Photo caption dated June 14, 1947 reads, "Extension of the Hollywood freeway along Ventura boulevard to Vineland avenue started with the thunder of air-hammers at Universal City, as the last cars to use the intersection of Lankershim and Ventura boulevard whizzed by in back of the workmen. A detour soon will go around the intersection."  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1947)* - Photograph caption dated July 12, 1947 reads, "Most complex part of the new freeway link connecting Vineland avenue and Cahuenga Pass will be at Universal City, above, where a grade separation will be constructed over Lankershim boulevard.  

 

Historical Notes

This Valley Times photo-diagram shows where rail lines will be relocated down the center of the new freeway link. Traffic leading into the Valley will follow the lane on the right of the tracks; that leading to Hollywood will stream down a parkway at the left of the rail lines. Lankershim boulevard traffic onto the freeway's Hollywood-bound lane will go under the freeway and rise on a looped ramp as shown at left. Lankershim traffic into the Valley-bound freeway lane will follow the road at upper right. To get onto Lankershim from the right hand freeway lane, cars will use the road shown in right lower foreground.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1948)* - Photograph dated May 8, 1948 shows the construction of a freeway underpass at Lankershim and Cahuenga boulevards. The project is part of the extension of the Hollywood Freeway connecting Vineland Avenue and the Cahuenga Pass.  

 

Historical Notes

The bridge/tunnel was built as part of the Cahuenga Freeway; it is now known as the Lankershim/101 Freeway Bridge and Tunnel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1948)* - View showing paving of Hollywood Freeway lanes that extend from the Cahuenga Pass to Vineland Avenue. In between the freeway lanes are electric lines used by Pacific Electric trains. Photo date: November 10, 1948  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1948)* - Aerial view of the Hollywood Freeway extension from Barham Boulevard to Vineland Avenue. Universal City is seen to the right of the freeway, and Studio City to the left.  Phote date:  November 14, 1948  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1956)* - Intersection of Vineland and the end of the Hollywood Freeway extension through Cahuenga Pass.  

 

Historical Notes

Photograph caption dated April 30, 1956 reads, "May be city's busiest intersection - Pouring from all directions, cars meet at intersection of Vineland avenue and Ventura boulevard, labeled as 'possibly Los Angeles' busiest intersection' by Traffic Manager Lloyd Braff. Last count indicates 86,000 cars pass through here over 24-hour period." - Valley Times

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1958)* - Opening of new Hollywood Freeway link from Vineland to Moorpark. Photo date: Feb 7, 1958  

 

 

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1948)^^ - View looking toward the San Fernando Valley showing a rare sight - freshly fallen snow in Cahuenga Pass.   

 

Historical Notes

Snow is a rare occurrence in the Los Angeles Basin. While it's common in the region's mountains, the moderating effect of the Pacific means that at lower elevations temperatures rarely fall below the point necessary to create snow. Since records were first kept in 1921, snow has fallen on downtown Los Angeles only ten times—and not once since 1962.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1948)* - View of Cahuenga Pass Freeway with snow already melted on the pavement. Northbound freeway lanes are completely empty.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pacific Electric Red Cars - Cahuenga Pass

 
(1948)* - View of Cahuenga Pass during rush hour, showing a line of cars bumper to bumper heading into the city from the San Fernando Valley, with Pacific Red Car tracks on the left.  

 

Historical Notes

The Pacific Electric Red Car system was a network of electric streetcars that operated in Southern California from 1901 to 1961. The system's main line ran through Cahuenga Pass, connecting Los Angeles with the San Fernando Valley.

The Red Cars were a popular form of transportation for many years, and they played a major role in the development of the San Fernando Valley. However, the system began to decline in the 1940s and 1950s, as more and more people began to drive cars. The final Red Car ran on December 29, 1952, and the tracks were soon paved over to make way for the Hollywood Freeway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1948)* - A Pacific Electric streetcar approaches the Barham Boulevard Bridge in Cahuenga Pass, coming from the San Fernando Valley.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1948)* - View looking southeast showing Pacific Red Car, tracks, and the Barham Station at center of Cahuenga Pass.  

 

Historical Notes

The view above is from the top of Barham Bridge which at the time had a stairway running down to the tracks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1948)* - Ground view as seen from under the Barham Bridge showing the approach of a Pacific Red Car.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1948)* - View looking southeast showing a Pacific Red Car stopped at the Barham Station with the Barham Bridge in the background.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

\  
(1940s)* - Barham Boulevard Stop.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1949)* – Barham Bridge over Cahuenga Pass, looking southeast, with a stairway leading down to the Pacific Red Car tracks in the center median.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then and Now

 
(1949 vs 2022)* – Looking southeast toward the Barham Bridge in Cahuenga Pass. Comparison photo by Trey Callaway  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1949)* - Early morning commute as cars head into Hollywood and metropolitan Los Angeles from the San Fernando Valley.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1949)* - View of the roads, rail lines, and cars traveling through the Cahuenga Pass, the most important section of the Hollywood Freeway, which is the "gateway" that opens fast traffic from the San Fernando Valley into Hollywood and the heart of metropolitan Los Angeles. The short city-built Cahuenga Pass Freeway was opened on June 15, 1940.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1950)* - A Pacific Red Car returning from the San Fernando Valley travels along the Cahuenga Pass toward Los Angeles. The Next Stop? The Hollywood Bowl.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1950)* - A Pacific Red Car heading toward Hollywood as it travels through Cahuenga Pass.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1952)* – View looking north on Cahuenga at Highland Avenue showing a Pacific Red Car heading south toward downtown.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1952)^^ -  View of Cahuenga Pass during rush hour traffic on a rainy morning. View is looking southeast toward downtown Los Angeles.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1952)*^# - A Pacific Electric Red Car headed south in the median of the Hollywood Freeway near Barham.  

 

Historical Notes

1952 was the last year Pacific Electric Railway trolleys ran down the center of the "Cahuenga Pass Freeway", (Hollywood Freeway).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1953)* - Removal of the Red Car tracks in the middle of the Hollywood Freeway.  View is looking north from around the Hollywood Bowl.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before and After

 
(1950 vs. 1953) - Removal of the Red Car tracks in the middle of the Hollywood Freeway.  View is looking north from around the Hollywood Bowl.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1955)* - View looking north from Mulholland Drive bridge showing the Hollywood Freeway with center median stripped away of its rails that had been there since 1911.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1950s)*^^ - View looking north through the Cahuenga Pass showing a line of buses which replaced the Pacific Electric Red Car.  

 

Historical Notes

Operation of the Pacific Electric Red Car through the Cahuenga Pass to Owensmouth and San Fernando began in 1911 and was terminated in 1938; thereafter the terminus was at Van Nuys Boulevard and North Sherman Way.  On December 28, 1952, busses over the Hollywood Freeway replaced all rail service to the San Fernando Valley on this line.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then and Now

 
1948 vs. 2021 - Looking southeast from the top of Barham Bridge in Cahuenga Pass.  1952 was the last year Pacific Electric Railway trolleys ran down the center of the "Cahuenga Pass Freeway".  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cahuenga and Lankershim

 
(1947)* - Looking southeast down Cahuenga Boulevard, from just west of where it crosses Lankershim Boulevard (center). Seen, from left to right, are a Richfield service station, Dieterich Motors used car lot, a Foster and Kleiser billboard advertising 1947 Chevrolet automobiles, homes up in the hills, the Tasty Nook Cafe, and various other businesses. Photograph dated August 1, 1947.  

 

Historical Notes

Ventura Boulevard turns into Cahuenga Boulevard east of Lankershim.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1949)* – View looking southeast down Cahuenga Boulevard, from just west of where it crosses Lankershim Boulevard (center). Seen, from left to right are the Lankershim Bridge and Tunnel (only partially visible), a Foster and Kleiser billboard advertising the 1949 Ford automobile (left), homes up in the hills, a Rexall drugstore and a Standard oil service station. Photograph dated June 23, 1949.  

 

Historical Notes

The bridge/tunnel was built in 1948 as part of the Cahuenga Freeway; it is now known as the Lankershim/101 Freeway Bridge and Tunnel.

The corner where the billboard is seen (left of center) was named Yitzhak Rabin Square in 1995 in honor of the slain Israeli Prime Minister.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1952)*^*# – View looking north on Lankershim Boulevard at Cahuenga Boulevard showing the freeway underpass built in 1948. Two Pacific Electric Red Cars are passing each other above.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1950)* - Cars travel south down the Cahuenga Pass Freeway over the Lankershim Bridge and Tunnel, just north of where Cahuenga and Ventura boulevards meet in Studio City.  

 

 

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1951)* - Aerial view of Hollywood, north of Sunset between Highland and Gower before the second section of the Hollywood Freeway was built (1954). The Hollywood Reservoir (middle right) is in the hills above Hollywood. There is a clear view of San Fernando Valley in the background.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1951)* - Bird's eye view of the Hollywood Freeway through the Cahuenga Pass, looking towards the Valley. The Cahuenga Tunnel under Highland Avenue can be seen at lower center-left. The "Muse of Music" Statue at the entrance to the Hollywood Bowl is visible just to the left of the tunnel as is part of the Hollywood Bowl shell (center-left).  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1952)*** – Aerial view showing the end of the Cahuenga Pass Freeway (Hollywood Freeway) near the Hollywood Bowl (left-center). The freeway would soon be extended all the way to Downtaown LA.  

 

 

 

 

 

Hollywood Freeway Extension (Cahuenga Pass to Downtown LA)

 
(1952)* - This scene is just two blocks north of the famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine, the "Heart of Hollywood." Steel reinforced columns jutting from the hillside will soon support new, wide ribbons of concrete approaching Cahuenga Boulevard. Freeway will be a boon to Valley motorists who use Cahuenga Pass.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1952)* - View showing the proposed route of the Hollywood Freeway extension connecting Cahuenga Pass with downtown Los Angeles. The arrow points to Cahuenga Boulevard.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1953)* - View looking north showing the construction progress of the Hollywood Freeway through Cahuenga Pass with the Pilgrimage Bridge in the background. Highland Avenue is seen on the left where you can see the "Muse of Music" Statue at the entrance to the Hollywood Bowl.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1953)* - View of Cahuenga Pass. All Highland Avenue detour traffic now pours into Cahuenga Boulevard while work continues on the northerly links of the Hollywood Freeway. The new link, of course, also discharges its travelers onto Cahuenga.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1953)* - Looking north over northbound Hollywood Fwy (US-101) off-ramp at Cahuenga Blvd. Traffic control officers direct traffic while stop sign remains shrouded. Photo date: 10-7-53  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1952)* - Looking southeast towards a new bridge over Cahuenga Boulevard during the construction of the Hollywood Freeway with the Hollywood Tower in the background.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1953)^*^# – View showing the construction of the 101 Freeway through Hollywood at Argyle Avenue connecting Cahuenga Pass with downtown Los Angeles. You can see the Castle Argyle and the Hollywood Tower (lower-right) among the buildings. Source: Life Magazine  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1953)* - New hillside roads have been constructed as detours for traffic from the Valley to Hollywood while construction of the Cahuenga Pass section is in progress. Road at left is the present route for the northbound traffic. Inbound traffic uses the detour shown at right. This picture, looking south, was taken from Pilgrimage Bridge. When the Cahuenga Pass section is completed, traffic from the city will flow directly into Cahuenga Freeway.  Herald Examinder, December 26, 1953.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1953)* – Herald Examiner Photo caption reads:  In a freeway safety campaign, motorcycle officers Lloyd Asdale (left) and Harry Smalley find a slow-moving truck in the fast lane in Cahuenga Pass. The officers signals the driver over to the right. Fourteen slow drivers in fast lanes were among 95 drivers nabbed in the first eight hours.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1954)* - The 101 appears to be open, but the bridge over Highland Avenue is still under construction in January 1954.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1954)* - Newly reconstructed NB Cahuenga Pkwy (now Hollywood Fwy US-101) at Highland Ave; view SE from Pilgrimage Bridge.  

 

Historical Notes

Southbound US-101 structure (right background) replaced old two-lane tunnel that was the scene of many rear end accidents. Pacific Electric tracks in median (at right) were removed in 1953.

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1954)* - View of US 101 northbound from the Pilgrimage Bridge in Cahuenga Pass.  Mulholland Drive exit is on the right.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1955)* - Photograph caption dated May 17, 1955 reads, "End of freeway tieup. Autos begin creeping down inbound lane of Hollywood Freeway as two-hour morning traffic jam slowly disperses. Broken down truck caused tieup, backed up commuter cars on all main arteries leading from Valley."  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1956)* - Aerial view showing the new Hollywood (101) Freeway connecting the San Fernando Valley to downtown Los Angeles. Cahuenga Pass is at upper-right. The Hollywood business district is seen at center. Clcik HERE to see more Early Views of Hollywood.  

 

Historical Notes

The second section of the Hollywood Freeway that stretched from the San Fernando Valley to Downtown Los Angeles opened on April 16, 1954 at a cost of $55 million.

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1960s)* - Aerial view of Hollywood and its surrounding areas after the second segment of the Hollywood Freeway was completed (1954). The Hollywood Reservoir and Mulholland Dam an are seen in the hills above Hollywood (upper center-right). Capitol Records Building is in the middle foreground of this photo (it is the cylindrical shaped building whose shape is devised from the vision of a stack of records).  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before and After

 
 
(1951)* vs. (1960s)* - Aerial view showing Cahuenga Pass before and after Hollywood Freeway extension.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1989)^^^ - View of Hollywood from Mulholland Drive. The Hollywood Bowl can be seen in the foreground and the Hollywood Freeway (at left) connects Cahuenga Pass with downtown Los Angeles (background)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cahuenga Pass Then and Now

 
(1948)* - (2015)* - View looking southeast from the top of Barham Bridge in Caheunga Pass.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1954)* – Time lapse night image of Cahuenga Pass  

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1964)* - Photo caption dated November 9, 1964 reads, "Cars were jammed on the freeway this morning because of the long-awaited rain, as cautious work-bound drivers moved toward Los Angeles. Photo shows cars in Cahuenga Pass on the Hollywood Freeway driving bumper-to-bumper. Police reported a few fender-bending accidents."  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 1964)* - Daylight view of Cahuenga Pass showing dual-arm lamposts. A 1964 Valiant is seen at left.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(ca. 2005)*^^ - Cahuenga Pass as it appears today.  

 

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

 

 

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References and Credits

* LA Public Library Image Archive

^ CSUN Oviatt Library Digital Archives

^^ USC Digital Library

*^ Wikipedia: Cahuenga Pass; Moses Sherman; John Anson Ford Theatre

#^WhitleyHeights.org: Aerial of Cahuenga; Whitley Heights Aerial

#+Facebook.com: Los Angeles Railroad Heritage Foundation

#*Flickr.com: Michael Ryerson

^**Huntington Digital Library Archive

^x^Facebook.com: Photos of Los Angeles

**^Noirish Los Angeles - forum.skyscraperpage.com

***Hollywoodbowl.com

++^US101 - Socalregion.com

**#The California History Room, California State Library: William Reagh

*^^Metro Jacksonville: Cahuenga Pass

^*^KCET: L.A.'s First Freeways; When Cahuenga Pass Was Rustic

^^*Pacific Electric San Fernando Valley Line - ERHA.org

^^^California State Library Image Archive

*^#LosAngelesPast.com: Cahuenga Pass

*#^Forum Skyscraperpage.com: Cahunega and Highland Intersection

#^^KCET: When the Cahuenga Pass Was Rustic; L.A.'s First Freeways

#++Hagley Digital Archives

**^#LA Times Framework: Cahuenga Pass

*^#*Calisphere: University of California Image Archive

*^*#Facebook.com: Classic Hollywood-Los Angeles-SFV

#**#Facebook.com: Garden of Allah Novels, Martin Turnbull

#^^#The Pacific Electric Railway Historical Society (PERyHS)

^#^^Facebook.com: Vintage Los Angeles

^*^#Facebook.com - Bizarre Los Angeles

 

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