Death Valley National Park in Inyo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Padre Crowley Point
In Memory of the Padre of the Desert
— Father John J. Crowley 1891-1940 —
From the snowey heights of the Sierras beyond the deep shadows of Death Valley, beloved and trusted by people of all faiths. He led them toward life's wider horizons. He passed this way.
Erected 1963 by Death Valley 49ers.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion.
Location. 36° 21.129′ N, 117° 33.02′ W. Marker is in Death Valley National Park, California, in Inyo County. Marker is on California Route 190, 37 miles east of U.S. 395, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located at Father Crowley Overlook. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lone Pine CA 93545, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Star Wars Canyon (within shouting distance of this marker); Darwin (approx. 7.1 miles away); Joshua Tree (approx. 11 miles away).
Regarding Padre Crowley Point. On September 12, 1934 Father Crowley was the first priest to celebrate Mass on the top of Mt. Whitney on a portable altar outside the Smithsonian hut on the 14,495-foot peak. He was assisted by Harry Clinch, the seminarian from Fresno who was on summer leave.
This memorial marks the spot of Father J.J. Crowley’s unexpected death in September of 1940. He struck a steer that was on the highway, with his old Model-T Ford, when returning to Bishop from a trip to San Francisco.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 969 times since then and 95 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 30, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3. submitted on March 25, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 4. submitted on March 30, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.