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

Von Schmidt State Boundary Monument

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 18, 2010

1. Von Schmidt State Boundary Monument Marker

Inscription. This boundary monument, a cast iron column erected in 1873, marks the southern terminus of the California – Nevada State Boundary established by A. W. Von Schmidt's 1872 – 73 survey. Von Schmidt's line, the first officially recognized oblique state line between California and Nevada, erred slightly, the boundary was later corrected to the present line, ¾ mile to the north.

Erected 1974 by State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Needles Chapter, San Bernardino County Museum Association, and the California, Arizona and Nevada Development Association – Can – Do. (Marker Number 859.)

Topics and series. This historical marker and monument is listed in this topic list: Political Subdivisions. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.

Location. 35° 0.844′ N, 114° 39.718′ W. Marker is near Needles, California, in San Bernardino County. Marker is on Needles Highway, 0.1 miles south of Aha Macav Parkway, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Needles CA 92363, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Von Schmidt State Boundary Monument

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(a few steps from this marker); History of the Fort Mojave Tribe (approx. 1.1 miles away in Nevada); Oatman (approx. 4.9 miles away in Arizona); Arizona Veterans Memorial (approx. 5.7 miles away in Arizona); In Memory of All Vietnam Veterans (approx. 5.7 miles away in Arizona); 9/11 Arizona Heroes Memorial (approx. 5.8 miles away in Arizona); Arizona Medal of Honor (approx. 5.8 miles away in Arizona); The Garcés Expedition (approx. 6.4 miles away in Nevada).

More about this monument. This site was designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No.859 on April 26, 1973.

This site is also Nevada State Historic Landmark No.188.

Also see . . . The Colorful History of the California/Nevada State Boundary. In June of 1872, Congress authorized another survey of the common boundary between California and Nevada. GLO Commissioner Willis Drummond hired astronomer and surveyor Alexey W. Von Schmidt to do the field work. A sum of more than $41,000 was appropriated for the survey. (Submitted on April 5, 2010.)

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 18, 2010

2. Von Schmidt State Boundary Monument Marker

Monument is just beyond marker.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 18, 2010

3. Von Schmidt State Boundary Monument Marker

Nevada marker on left and California marker on right.

Von Schmidt State Boundary Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 18, 2010

4. Von Schmidt State Boundary Monument

Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,497 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 4, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.