It’s hard to imagine, but the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway hasn’t always been around. This route, one of Virginia’s most scenic drives, was established in 1936 and called for some serious construction. Construction plans started in September of 1935 in North Carolina and began in Virginia that following February. The following photographs provide an interesting insight into construction of this most beloved mountain drive:

One of the most admired scenic drives in America, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches an impressive 469 miles of North Carolina and Virginia. Take a look at the following photographs of its lengthy construction:
Flannery McNair/YouTube
1. Construction begins near Asheville, NC, circa 1936.
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2. Heavy machinery hard at work in Alleghany County, circa 1935.
Blue Ridge Parkway/Facebook
3. A visitor admires the Blue Ridge Parkway signpost, 1939.
Blue Ridge Parkway/Facebook
4. The tedious work of tunnel construction, December 31st, 1934.
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5. In some cases, explosives were used to clear the path for construction. Date unknown.
Blue Ridge Parkway/Facebook
6. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helps plant trees alongside the road, circa 1940.
Blue Ridge Parkway/Facebook
7. Many of these CCC workers traveled far to work on the Parkway, and would establish tents along the construction sites.
Flannery McNair/YouTube
8. Construction of the Parkway was anything but easy, and some sections took decades to complete. Date unknown.
Flannery McNair/YouTube
9. A station wagon makes its way through Rockfish Gap, 1953.
Blue Ridge Parkway/Facebook
10. The final stretch of major construction, which was completed in 1994.
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For a fascinating overview of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s construction, watch the following video, courtesy of Flannery McNair:

What are your thoughts on this fascinating history of the Blue Ridge Parkway? Be sure to share with us! For more stunning images of the Blue Ridge Parkway, click here.

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