West Sahara in Las Vegas in Clark County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Mormon Battle & The Old Spanish Trail
Photographed By Jeremy Snow, February 16, 2024
1. The Mormon Battle & The Old Spanish Trail Marker
During the Mexican War, Mormon men served as a special battalion in the U.S. Army. They left lowa in July 1846 and marched through the Southwest to San Diego, building roads and American outposts along the way. They fought the Battle of San Pascual in California. The last 81 men in the battalion mustered out in Los Angeles in March 1848. Most went north to take the well-known Humboldt Trail from Sacramento to Salt Lake. A few followed the Spanish Trail to Utah, taking a wagon loaded with farm tools and grape cuttings. This lone wagon changed the Old Spanish Trail, leaving two ruts where a single mule and walking rut had been. Many wagons followed.
Wagon team freighting lasted until 1905, when the San Pedro, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake Rail Road opened. The Los Angeles to Salt Lake route over the Old Spanish Trail became known as the Mormon Road.
Erected by Clark County.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Mormon Battalion, and the Old Spanish National Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.
Location. 36° 8.376′ N, 115° 16.112′ W. Marker is in Las Vegas, Nevada, in Clark County. It is in West Sahara. Marker can
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Las Vegas Ranches 1865-1905 (within shouting distance of this marker); Native People Knew the Old Spanish Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Children and the Old Spanish Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); The Mohave Desert (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Spanish Trail Through Clark County (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Frémont and His Scouts (about 300 feet away); From Old Spanish Trail to I-15 (about 300 feet away); Old Spanish Trail Park (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Las Vegas.
Photographed By Jeremy Snow, February 16, 2024
2. The Mormon Battle & The Old Spanish Trail Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 44 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 24, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
