Sunday, August 26, 1956 was a historic day in transportation circles. At Colley Point, overlooking Eagle Lake, witnessed the dedication of Lassen-Modoc Joint Highway #14. The project began in 1929, with the goal of a highway from Susanville to the Oregon border near Malin. Over the span of time, sixteen different public and private entities were involved with the construction of the highway. At center stage during the ceremony, a great deal of credit was given to Pete Gerig, one of the original directors who was committed to see it from beginning to end. In December 1959, the route became State Highway 139.