San Bernardino in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Arrowhead Landmark
Located on the hills above San Bernardino, the Arrowhead has been an important landmark for centuries. It is believed to be a natural feature but its true origin is unknown. The distinctive arrowhead shape is visible because the white sage, which grows inside the arrowhead, contrasts sharply with the darker chaparral vegetation outside. Many fires have burned the landmark resulting in gully erosion. Check dams have been constructed in an effort to slow down the erosion process and help protect and preserve the Arrowhead outline. Bushes were planted on the outline for this same purpose.
original marker text:
Located in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains directly above the City of San Bernardino, the Arrowhead Landmark can be seen for miles around. This important landmark has for centuries been a symbol of the San Bernardino Valley to the Native Indians and then to the pioneers and settlers that followed.
It is believed to be a natural landmark. The face of the arrowhead consists of light quartz, supporting a growth of short white sage. This lighter vegetation shows in sharp contrast to the surrounding chaparral and greasewood. Indians who inhabited the San Bernardino Valley believed that the arrowhead pointed the way to the hot mineral springs below, with healing qualities, and thus considered it holy ground.
Through the years, numerous forest fires have caused some erosion. But the Arrowhead Landmark continues to preserve its uniqueness and remains a symbol of the "pioneer spirit" of the San Bernardino Valley.
Erected 1988 by Friends of the Arrowhead, Inc. (Marker Number 977.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Natural Features • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list.
Location. 34° 10.115′ N, 117° 16.688′ W. Marker is in San Bernardino, California, in San Bernardino County. Marker is on Waterman Avenue (California Route 18) north of 40th Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located in Wildwood Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4401 N Waterman Ave, San Bernardino CA 92404, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Historic Cannon (approx. 2.4 miles away); First McDonalds, San Bernardino, California (approx. 3.1 miles away); World’s First McDonald’s (approx. 3.1 miles away); Musical Railing (approx. 3.1 miles away); Officer Big Mac (approx. 3.1 miles away); Original McDonald's Flooring (approx. 3.1 miles away); Route 66 (approx. 3.1 miles away); The Grimace (approx. 3.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Bernardino.
More about this marker. This is California Historical Landmark No. 977.
Also see . . . Arrowhead (Landmark). City of San Bernardino website entry (Submitted on January 2, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 3,005 times since then and 85 times this year. Last updated on November 9, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 9, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on December 28, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.