Johannesburg in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Rand District Cemetery
courtesy E Clampus Vitus, April 18, 2026
1. Rand District Cemetery Marker
Rand District Cemetery first established in January 1896 with the burial of William Davis who was shot and killed in a gambling dispute in Randsburg.
Rand District Cemetery has been servicing the towns of Johannesburg, Randsburg, Red Mountain, Atolia, Garlock and Goler Gulch ever since. Laid to rest here are the residents, pioneers, miners, trappers, tradesmen, and veterans from those surrounding towns. As you stroll through the cemetery, you'll find the resting place of soldiers from the Indian War, Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korean War and Vietnam. Among them is a WWI Army nurse who is the youngest daughter of the Indian War Chief Geronimo. In an area called Babyland rests over 80 children who lost their lives from various illness in the 1940's and 1950's.
The following poem was dedicated to their passing...
Joberg Poem.
Lay me down on the hillside of Joberg where the desert winds sweep by.
Where in a row upon row of little brown tents my former companions
lie, with only the sand for a blanket, instead of a flower strewn sod.
My body shall rest from its labors when my spirit has gone out to God.
I tramped those hills in the sunshine on the desert I'd live and die.
Let me rest on the hillside of Joberg where the desert winds sweep by.
this page online
Dedicated April 18, 2026 (CY 6031) by the Ancient and Honorable Order of E. Clampus Vitus, Peter LeBeck Chapter 1866, Inc.
In Memory of Marie L. "Cactus Kate" Shrubb.
Erected 2026 by E Clampus Vitus.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1896.
Location. 35° 22.059′ N, 117° 38.386′ W. Marker is in Johannesburg, California, in Kern County. It is at the intersection of Mountain Wells Avenue and Ophir Street, on the left when traveling west on Mountain Wells Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100158 Ophir St, Johannesburg CA 93528, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley, specifically in the Central Valley, and in the Sierra Nevada. 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: Rand District Community Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); The King Solomon Mine (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Consolidated Gold Mine (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Baltic Mine (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Commercial Hotel (approx. 0.9 miles away); Rand Mining District (approx. 0.9 miles away); Rand Desert Museum (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Joint (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Johannesburg.
courtesy E Clampus Vitus, April 18, 2026
2. Rand District Cemetery and Marker
courtesy E Clampus Vitus, April 18, 2026
3. Marker Unveiling
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 26, 2020
4. Rand District Cemetery
Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 18 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 21, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on November 8, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
