Near Independence in Inyo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Camp Independence

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 29, 2023

1. Camp Independence Marker

Inscription. At the request of settlers, Colonel George Evans led a military expedition to this site on July 4, 1862. Hence its name “Independence”. Indian hostilities ceased and the camp closed. War again broke out in 1865 and the camp was reoccupied as Fort Independence until its abandonment in 1877. This fort made possible the early settlements in the Owens Valley.

California Registered Historical Landmark No. 349

Erected 1981 by Slim Princess Chapter No. 395 E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 349.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Military • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is June 13, 1916.

Location. 36° 49.991′ N, 118° 13.354′ W. Marker is near Independence, California, in Inyo County. It is on Shabbell Lane 0.3 miles north of U.S. 395, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Independence CA 93526, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Oak Creek Community Park (approx. 0.7 miles away); Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery (approx. 1.2 miles away); Historic Independence

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(approx. 2.2 miles away); Mining in Inyo County (approx. 2.4 miles away); Hydroelectric Power From Bishop Creek (approx. 2.4 miles away); Inyo County Courthouse (approx. 2.4 miles away); Putnam’s Stone Cabin (approx. 2.4 miles away); Engine #18 (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Independence.

Also see . . .
1. The California State Military Museum - Camp Independence. (Submitted on October 14, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California.)
2. Independence, California. (Submitted on October 14, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California.)

Photographed by Karen Key, August 25, 2007

2. Camp Independence Marker

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 29, 2023

3. Camp Independence Marker

Camp Independence Hospital image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Denise Boose

4. Camp Independence Hospital

Camp Independence was abandoned in 1877. The fort hospital was bought in a public auction in 1883 by H. P. Cartier, a carpenter, who moved the hospital building to its present site in Independence on Kearsarge Street, west of Highway 395.

Photographed by Craig Baker

5. Camp Independence Hospital

Now a private residence.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. This page has been viewed 4,094 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 29, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2. submitted on October 14, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. 3. submitted on April 29, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on April 27, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 5. submitted on March 17, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.