Highland in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Point of Beginning
Photographed by Adam Margolis, March 7, 2026
1. Point of Beginning Marker
The Origin of the Road Named "Base Line"
The name "Base line" comes from the east-west line used in the Public Land Survey System (PLSS). The survey reference line is crucial for mapping public lands into townships and sections.
The San Bernardino Base Line was established in 1852 and run along the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. The baseline intersects with the San Bernardino Meridian. This intersection is the starting point for land surveys in Southern California. Many streets named "Base Line Road" in California align with the original survey line.
The base of the San Bernardino Mountains helped define the initial survey point because of their stability and visibility. It was an ideal natural reference point for early surveyors.
The San Bernardino Base Line and Meridian were essential for expanding settlement, managing land ownership, and developing infrastructure in California during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Political Subdivisions • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.
Location. 34° 7.25′ N, 117° 9.111′ W. Marker is in Highland, California, in San Bernardino County. It is on Havenwood Lane. The marker is located at the Natural
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles, in the Inland Empire, in the Peninsular Ranges, and specifically in the Transverse Ranges. It is also in the American Southwest. 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 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Trails Through Time (within shouting distance of this marker); Plunge Creek Bridge (approx. 0.6 miles away); Aurantia Park (approx. Ύ mile away); Greenspot Road Bridge (approx. 3 miles away); Israel "Doc" Beal (approx. 3.1 miles away); First Lugonia School (approx. 3.7 miles away); Patton State Hospital (approx. 4 miles away); Mill Creek Zanja (approx. 4.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Highland.
Photographed by Adam Margolis, March 7, 2026
2. Point of Beginning Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 16, 2026, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 15 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 16, 2026, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
