The Grand Army of the Republic Highway was a coast-to-coast highway extending three thousand six hundred fifty-two miles through fourteen states, and this western end was erected by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in memory of the heroic services and unselfish devotion of Union soldiers, sailors, and marines who gave their lives during the Civil War. The national highway was first proposed by Major William L. Anderson Jr. of Massachusetts, and it was dedicated on May 3, 1953, under Department Commander Melville R. Riggs and National Highway Chairmen William L. Anderson of Massachusetts, J. Clark Mansfield of Pennsylvania, Doctor Ralph R. Barrett of California, and Vernon E. Cheney of California.
