Indio, California: Highway Center Line Inventor
A historical marker credits Dr. June McCarroll with the idea of painting a center line on roads for traffic safety. In 1917 she painted a dangerous section of what later became CA 99. California highways adopted the practice, and it spread from there. Two Michigan men counter-claim to have painted center lines as early as 1911.
- Address:
- Indio Blvd., Indio, CA
- Directions:
- Intersection of Indio Blvd. and Fargo St.
Visitor Tips and News About Highway Center Line Inventor
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
The monument is just off of SR 111 -- there is easy street parking in the area and it is just a quick walk. The placard is next to a large gazebo and the the text faces Route 111. If you are the kind of person who is willing to go out of the way to see a placard and learn a little history, then it's certainly worth the detour!
[Chrissy M., 07/31/2018]Nearby Offbeat Places
Large Genie and Magic Lamp, Indio, CA - < 1 mi.
Shields Date Garden: Date Capital of the World, Indio, CA - 3 mi.
Etherea: Wire Cathedral, Coachella, CA - 4 mi.Latest Tips Across Roadside America
Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.
Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!
Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.
The 2002 marker notes how, in 1917, a truck nearly collided with Dr. June McCarroll's Model T, forcing her into a ditch. She had the idea for a painted center line for lane safety, and returned to paint it herself on the offending stretch of road.