Barstow in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The California Gold Rush

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

1. The California Gold Rush Marker

Inscription. With the discovery of gold in California in 1848, it’s statehood in 1850, and the resulting emigration to the west, the interest of the government in exploring a rail link to the Pacific became serious in the early 1850’s. Not only would a Pacific Railroad help build population and expand commerce, it was also an important element in defending the nations borders by providing a means of economically and rapidly transporting the army and its provisions to the remote posts beyond the Mississippi.

Erected 2006 by Barstow's Main Street Mural Project.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.

Location. 34° 53.915′ N, 117° 1.538′ W. Marker is in Barstow, California, in San Bernardino County. Marker is on East Main Street (Business Interstate 15), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 212 East Main Street, Barstow CA 92311, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Amiel Weeks Whipple (a few steps from this marker); General Steven Watts Kearny (within shouting distance of this marker); Kit Carson (within shouting distance of this marker); Mojave Runners

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(within shouting distance of this marker); John Charles Fremont (within shouting distance of this marker); Jedediah Smith (within shouting distance of this marker); Father Garces (within shouting distance of this marker); Calico Mountain Mines (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barstow.

More about this marker. This mural is the seventh in the series. Barstow’s Main Street murals are intended to illustrate Barstow’s past and enhance its future. The murals line historic Route 66, the Mother Road. The murals depict aspects of the history of Barstow and the surrounding area. New murals are added annually.

Also see . . . Main Street Murals. (Submitted on December 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

2. The California Gold Rush Marker

The California Gold Rush Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

3. The California Gold Rush Mural

Barstow's Main Street Murals Directory image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

4. Barstow's Main Street Murals Directory

[click image to enlarge]
Historic Murals on Route 66’s last existing
“Main St” Illustrating Barstow’s Past to Enhance Its Future

Working to build pride and unity within our community and revitalize Historic Downtown Barstow through the preservation and celebration of our rich cultural heritage through education programs, walking tours, public art and festivals.

We welcome new members who appreciate the power of public art and have a vision for how it can become a revitalizing force in the community.
For further information Tel: 760 257 1052
www.mainstreetmurals.com

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 880 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.