The Eagle Monument, 28° Parallel on Hwy. 1

This monument was a big deal when it was built on the final months of highway construction and completed by the ceremony on Dec. 1, 1973.

Before it was finished, here was an artist's impression of what it would appear like:





Photo from on or around December 1973, the cover of guide magazine.



For a few years, it made the cover of the Auto Club guidebook.

When we drove south in July 1973, there was nothing here. Just the paved road, straight, no traffic circle.

In July 1973: The pavement going north was solid to around Villa Jesus Maria and then was mixed dirt and paved sections all the way to around Punta Prieta. From Punta Prieta north to Chapala, only unpaved roadbed, and detours. Chapala to near San Agustin we were on the old main road, no highway crews in this area, yet. Construction southbound was not nearly as rapid. The pavement was only extended 38 miles from El Rosario and new road bed for 24 more miles. what was accomplished between July and December 1, 1973, was truly amazing!

On our next trip, to the tip, it was July 1974. Here is the photo I took from near the Pemex station:



Back again in 1976, with my girlfriend:



In 2007, from the west (hotel parking), with Baja Angel:



Today:


The military took over the Eagle Monument, planted trees that hide much of it, and may get upset if you park too long to take photos of it!

Approaching from the north:



In 1974, these signs were frequent, too...



Approaching from the south...




TREES, WIRES, SIGNS, GIANT FLAG... almost as if they are trying to hide it? Some were questioning why it is pointing NORTH? Maybe it was the direction more cash would come from and not point to Mexico City? Interesting thoughts!

Quote: Originally posted by David K

TREES, WIRES, SIGNS, GIANT FLAG... almost as if they are trying to hide it?

Unintentional consequences. With it being that ugly, hardly a loss ... Resources wasted on a monument to stupidity of the system, wouldn't be the first time.

Well, at least now I'll know what this structure is, - thanks David.

Quote: Originally posted by BajaMama

I will take a closer look when passing by next week. I usually notice more prominently the Mexican flag which was gone a few years back...

Easy and safe to pull over at the hotel (southbound) or Pemex (northbound) to examine the hidden bird. The president of Mexico was there and that sunken plaza was for all the dignitaries to sit for the official opening of Highway 1 on December 1, 1973.

I almost forgot... I have this book, from Mexico's public works department (thanks to Neal Johns):

One more 1974 Eagle photo from my albums...

Pemex on the left, hotel and trailer park on the right... July 1974.

Found one from 2007... trees only half size!

On December 1, 1973

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Pemex on the left, hotel and trailer park on the right... July 1974.

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBill74

I'm still trying to get up enough nerve to get a good picture with my drone. With a few tests I'll know how to keep it far enough away so they can't hear it, and high enough that the trees don't obstruct the view. Hopefully, they don't have radar that could detect it. Flying over their property is a definite no no.

Or, just go to Google Earth, and don't get arrested, lol!

Very cool! Always good to learn another Baja factoid!

Quote: Originally posted by BajaTed

A similar monument on a smaller scale was built along the "Libre" road back in the day and has been disintegrating since. Not sure of the KM marker

Can you be more specific?

Oh, maybe the entrance to a development near Popotla, just past the Fox Baja Studio set? There was a structure to mark the entrance and then the project never happened after the fancy entrance monument was made? This is just north of the Km. 33 marker: