El Monte in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
El Monte
Santa Fe Trail Historical Park
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 21, 2005
1. El Monte Marker
El Monte, on the bank of the San Gabriel River, played a significant part in California's early pioneer history. It was first an encampment on the Old Spanish Trail, an extension of the trail from Missouri to Santa Fe. By the 1850's some began to call El Monte the "End of the Santa Fe Trail." Early in that decade a permanent settlement was esablished here by immigrants from Texas. The first settlement in Southern California founded by citizens of the United States.
California Registered Historical Landmark No. 975.
Erected 1987 by State Department of Parks and Recreation, and City of El Monte. (Marker Number 975.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Old Spanish National Trail series lists.
Location. 34° 4.478′ N, 118° 2.522′ W. Marker is in El Monte, California, in Los Angeles County. It can be reached from Santa Anita Avenue south of Valley Boulevard, on the right when traveling south. The marker was located at the former Santa Fe Trail Historical Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3675 Santa Anita Ave, El Monte CA 91731, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Frederick G. Exner Memorial Windmill (within shouting distance of this marker); Hicks Camp (approx. 0.6 miles away); Tongva (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named El Monte (approx. 0.7 miles away); Lady Liberty (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Lion (approx. 0.8 miles away); Gays Lion Farm (approx. 0.9 miles away); Dinsmoor Heritage House (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in El Monte.
More about this marker. The park area has been demolished to make way for a new housing development and smaller historical park (as of 2023). The plaque is now in storage at the local historical society museum.
Regarding El Monte.
The City of El Monte promotes itself as the End of the Santa Fe Trail only because the original settlers traveled west on that trail to Santa Fe before continuing on to California. The Santa Fe Trail did not extend to California.
Also see . . . El Monte Historical Society. (Submitted on July 17, 2023.)
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 21, 2005
2. El Monte Marker
This area is being redeveloped.
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 21, 2005
3. Santa Fe Trail Hisorical Park
A tribute to the pioneer spirit that founded the City of El Monte. This park commemorates the courage and unity of effort of past, present and future citizens and gives recognition to the unfailing support of Assemblywoman Sally Tanner.
Dedicated June 2, 1989.
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 21, 2005
4. The Frederick G. Exner Memorial Windmill
The windmill has been demolished.
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 21, 2005
5. Old El Monte Jail Marker
Built in 1880 by William R. Dodson. Donated to the El Monte Historical Society by his granddaughter.
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 21, 2005
6. Old El Monte Jail
The jail is gone destroyed by vandalism.
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 21, 2005
7. American Folk Farm House Marker
An American Folk Farm House Built in 1892 in the City of El Monte Township.
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 21, 2005
8. American Folk Farm House
This house was deemed unsafe and demolished.
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 21, 2005
9. Water Tower
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 21, 2005
10. Folk Farm House and Water Tower
This area is being redeveloped.
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 21, 2005
11. Covered Wagon
Moved to the local historical society museum, in pieces.
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 21, 2005
12. Pioneer Park (Now Demolished)
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 21, 2005
13. The Former Santa Fe Trail Hisorical Park
Photographed by Craig Baker, July 15, 2023
14. Site of Santa Fe Trail Historic Park
from Wikipedia
15. Map of the Old Spanish Trail
from Wikipedia
16. Map of the Santa Fe Trail
Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 27, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 3,625 times since then and 114 times this year. Last updated on December 16, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. submitted on December 28, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 14. submitted on July 17, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 15. submitted on January 3, 2012. 16. submitted on July 13, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
