Cholame, California: James Dean Memorial
The actor met his untimely end by auto accident near here. The memorial, erected in 1977, was paid for by a Japanese businessman and big fan of Dean.
- Address:
- CA Hwy 41, Cholame, CA
- Directions:
- CA Highway 41, between Fresno and Paso Robles, east of Shandon. Opposite the post office on the north side of the highway, east of Maggie's Cafe.
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
Results 1 to 5 of 10... Page of 2 [Next 5 items]
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Driving from Paso Robles to Visalia, I decided to see the tribute to James Dean. I had no idea it was that long ago when he died -- 1955. I was only two at the time. It's a pretty nice memorial for him. There isn't much there except for a cafe next to the memorial.
[Ben from Fairfield, CA, 05/15/2016]
Besides the main James Dean memorial, look for the metal dead bird that is part of the frame surrounding the large plaques in front of the main memorial. Look between the two plaques on the side furthest from the memorial.
[Kim Wheeler, 04/28/2013]
Drove up from Los Angeles going to San Francisco and had to stop and see the Crash Site memorial. The Jack Rabbit Cafe was actually very nice, both the people and the food. Had lots of James Dean memorabilia and a few souvenirs available for purchase.
The cafe is a few more miles down the road from the memorial. There's a sign on the side of the road. The actual James Dean junction can be busy, but definitely no so bad as to make it impossible to get out and take a photo. Really is in the middle of nowhere, but is an experience that is definitely worthwhile.
[Pat, 01/27/2010]Alas, but Mr. Raskin is incorrect about California State Route 41 beginning at SR 46. California SR 41 begins in Morrow Bay and ends in Yosemite. State route 46 begins in Cambria and ends at Famoso. Between Cholame and Shandon both routes share the same road.
[Greg Lewis, 12/31/2009]Many folks, and interestingly, some pretty knowledgeable authors and writers included, refer to the James Dean accident scene on CA Route 46 and 41 (formerly known as CA 466 when the accident took place on 9-30-55), as the James Dean Memorial Intersection. This is totally incorrect. Rt. 41 does not intersect with Rt. 46. Rt. 41 starts at Rt. 46 (which is an East-West road) heading North-east toward Fresno.
The official dedication, by the State of California, of the James Dean Memorial Junction took place on the 50th Anniversary of James Dean's death during the 9-30-2005 weekend. I had the privilege of attending this commemorative event with Marcus Winslow, James Dean's cousin from Fairmount, IN, along with State of California dignitaries and invited guests.
[Lee Raskin, 12/24/2009]Page of 2 [Next 5 items]
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Lee Raskin tells us he's a James Dean historian and author of the book "James Dean At Speed."