James Dean Memorial

The Center - California

1150 ft
Altitude above sea level: James Dean Memorial

For the GPS: 19215 CA-46, Shandon, CA 93461

Our visits: So far 1 visit in September 2019

James Dean Memorial

Description: James Dean (born 08.02.1931) was an American film and theater actor. He died here, at the intersection of Highway 46 and 41, at 5:45 p.m. on Sept. 30, 1955, when he collided head-on with an oncoming Ford. His early death and especially his role in Rebel without a cause made him a legend.

50 years after his death, a memorial sign was erected at the intersection where he died. Fans also keep placing memorabilia of the star on the fence next to the road.

About a mile south of the intersection, there is a small memorial right next to the Jack Ranch Café. The café is a small James Dean museum with some nice devotional items commemorating the star.

Our rating: Probably this is a must see, only for real James Dean fans. We would certainly not have driven a huge detour for it, because except for a sign there is not really much to see. But because we were in the vicinity anyway, we liked the short stop.

2.5/5