January 2: This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

1912:  The California State Highway Commission is founded with the reporting for duty of seven division engineers.

The first three State Highway Commissioners, including N.D. Darlington of Los Angeles, were appointed in 1911, but the actual commencement of field operations did not begin until all seven regional leaders were appointed.

The original bond issue gives the Commission $18,000,000 to build a State highway system, and work commences on August 7, 1912 in San Mateo County between San Francisco and Burlingame.

Today, the State Department of Transportation (Caltrans) retains seven districts in the state of California.

The complete story of the launch of the California Highway Commission, is further detailed in our blog post for its 100th anniversary, based on the 20th anniversary celebration in the January, 1932 issue of California Highways and Public Works.