Exploring Arizona's Abandoned Million Dollar Highway

🛣️The abandoned highway in Arizona was once an important route connecting mining towns in the early 1900s.

🏞️The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon and natural beauty, making it a popular hiking destination.

🌉The old Queen Creek Bridge, built in the 1920s, still stands as a testament to the engineering marvels of the time.

⛏️Convict labor was used in the construction of some parts of the highway, leading to its nickname as the "Convict Highway."

🚧The new Queen Creek Tunnel replaced the old Claypool Tunnel in the 1950s, providing a safer and more efficient route.

What is the history behind Arizona's abandoned million dollar highway?

—The highway was built in the early 1900s to connect mining towns, replacing the arduous Apache Trail route.

Is the abandoned highway accessible to the public?

—Yes, the abandoned highway is now a popular hiking trail, allowing people to explore its historic remnants and enjoy the stunning views.

Are there any notable landmarks along the abandoned highway?

—Yes, the old Queen Creek Bridge and the new Queen Creek Tunnel are two significant landmarks that showcase the engineering feats of their respective times.

Why was the old highway abandoned?

—The construction of a new, safer highway in the 1950s rendered the old highway obsolete, leading to its abandonment.

What role did convict labor play in the construction of the highway?

—Convicts were employed for some of the more challenging tasks, such as building tunnels, to help reduce costs and accelerate construction.

00:00Introduction to the abandoned highway in Arizona and the purpose of the video.

01:23The location and historical context of the highway, connecting mining towns in the early 1900s.

03:45Exploration of remnants of the past, including brick and stone structures and mine entry points.

06:30Highlights of the old Queen Creek Bridge, a century-old structure that still stands today.

08:58Overview of the old Claypool Tunnel and its history involving convict labor during construction.

10:59Comparison between the old and new routes, including the construction of the new Queen Creek Tunnel.

12:41Discussion of the Pinto Bridge, its demolition, and the construction of the new one in recent years.