History of Ventura Freeway in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: January 15, 2025

The Ventura Freeway is a major east-west route in Southern California, connecting Ventura and Los Angeles counties. From the Santa Barbara county line to its intersection with the Hollywood Freeway, it is designated as U.S. Route 101. This section was constructed in the late 1950s and opened in 1960. Parts of this stretch also overlap with State Route 1, though this isn't indicated by signage. East of the Hollywood Freeway, the route becomes State Route 134, completed by 1971. The freeway serves as a primary transportation artery for Ventura County and the southern San Fernando Valley.

July 23, 1918: 101st Airborne Division Formed

The 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army was formed on July 23, 1918. This division would later be honored with the naming of a portion of the Ventura Freeway.

April 5, 1960: US 101 Opens

On April 5, 1960, the section of the Ventura Freeway designated as US 101, from the Santa Barbara County line to the Hollywood Split, officially opened.

1964: Route 134 Renumbered

In 1964, the portions of Route 134 along Colorado Boulevard were renumbered as California State Route 248. This designation lasted until 1992.

1964: Postmile Measurement

In 1964, the postmiles for the Ventura Freeway were measured based on the alignment that existed at that time.

1971: SR 134 Established

By 1971, the portion of the Ventura Freeway east of the Hollywood Freeway intersection was designated as State Route 134 (SR 134).

1971: Ventura Freeway Realignment

In 1971, a new alignment for the Ventura Freeway was constructed. Before this realignment, the section east of the Golden State Freeway was known as the Colorado Freeway.

1979: Obama Attends Occidental College

Barack Obama began attending Occidental College in Eagle Rock in 1979. He attended the college until 1981.

1981: Obama Leaves Occidental College

Barack Obama concluded his studies at Occidental College in Eagle Rock in 1981.

1992: Route 248 Decommissioned

In 1992, the designation of California State Route 248, formerly part of Route 134, was decommissioned.

2003: Route 101 Designated "Screaming Eagles Highway"

In 2003, the portion of Route 101 within Ventura County was officially designated as the "Screaming Eagles Highway" to honor the 101st Airborne Division.

2017: Resolution to Name Obama Highway Passed

In 2017, the California Legislature passed a resolution to designate a section of SR 134 as the "President Barack H. Obama Highway" in honor of the 44th US President, who attended Occidental College nearby from 1979 to 1981.