Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Forces of Nature
Mount Lowe Railway
Photographed by Craig Baker
1. Forces of Nature Marker
The construction of the White City and rail system was quite a feat of engineering for the time. However, even the technology of the day could not protect the White City from the forces of nature. Fierce winds started a fire that destroyed everything on Echo Mountain in December of 1905, with the exception of the Observatory (upper photograph - top center).
In the upper photograph, the building in the right foreground is the Incline powerhouse which housed the Incline machinery (bull wheel, gears, motors). After it burned down in 1905, it was replaced by the building in the lower photograph in 1906. The new Powerhouse was built with reinforced concrete. The Searchlight from the 1893 World's Fair is mounted on top. You can see the rubble of this building today. It was demolished in 1963 and the bull wheel removed to its present location nearby.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. 34° 12.66′ N, 118° 7.257′ W. Marker is in Angeles National Forest, California, in Los Angeles County. It can be reached from Mount Lowe Railway Trail south of Sam Merrill Trail. Hike three miles up a steep trail with a 1,500-foot altitude gain from the
this page online
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 walking distance of this marker: Echo Mountain House (here, next to this marker); Mount Lowe Railway (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Echo Mountain House (a few steps from this marker); Stairway To The Sky (a few steps from this marker); Caretakers Cottage and Cable House (within shouting distance of this marker); Echo Phone (within shouting distance of this marker); Mount Lowe Power Plants (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Casino, Tennis Courts, Power Plants, and Car Barn (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Angeles National Forest.
Photographed by Craig Baker
2. Forces of Nature Marker
The marker is in the background, right of center.
3. Forces of Nature Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 207 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 12, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
