Desert Hot Springs in Riverside County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Pil-O-Rox Historic Rock House

ca. 1947

Photographed by Craig Baker

1. Pil-O-Rox Historic Rock House Marker

Inscription.
Built between 1947 and 1949 of local desert rock, the "Pil-O-Rox" house, as it became known locally, was constructed by retired Colorado mining man Lee Watkins. The house was one of the first in what was being advertised as the Desert Hot Springs Cabin Sites development, an early precursor to the modern town of Desert Hot Springs. Its distinct vernacular style makes the Pil-O-Rox one of the last remaining examples of its type in the low desert. It stands as a testament to the early population boom in the desert following the Second World War.

Erected 2024 by County of Riverside.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1947.

Location. 33° 57.867′ N, 116° 30.558′ W. Marker is in Desert Hot Springs, California, in Riverside County. It can be reached from 3rd Street just east of West Drive, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 66050 3rd St, Desert Hot Springs CA 92240, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in Greater Los Angeles,

in the Coachella Valley,

and in the Peninsular Ranges.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

on 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 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Yerxa’s Discovery (approx. 1.6 miles away); Morongo Indian Village (approx. 6.9 miles away); Angel Cove (approx. 7.6 miles away); Heroic Veterans (approx. 7.9 miles away); Tramway Gas Station (approx. 7.9 miles away); The Grace Lewis Miller Residence (approx. 8.1 miles away); The Arches - 1969 (approx. 8.6 miles away); The Hollywood House - 1966 (approx. 8.6 miles away).

Regarding Pil-O-Rox Historic Rock House. Purchased and restored by the Desert Hot Springs Historical Society, it officially opened as a museum and historic landmark on January 20, 2024. It is typically open to visitors most Fridays and some Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00

Pil-O-Rox Historic Rock House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

2. Pil-O-Rox Historic Rock House and Marker

p.m, closed in July and August.

Also see . . . Desert Hot Springs Historical Society. (Submitted on November 7, 2026.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 7, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.