Near Lebec in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Camel Trail Terminus

Fort Tejon

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein

1. Camel Trail Terminus Marker

Inscription. Jefferson Davis, “Father of National Highways,” as Secretary of War 1853-57 sponsored the importation of 33 camels for transporting military supplies to the west coast. The camel trail survey ran from San Antonio, Texas to Fort Tejon which marks the western terminus, part of the Jefferson Davis Highway. The army camel corps arrived at this fort in November, 1857, with Lt. Edward F. Beale in command.

Erected 1956 by California Division, United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Military • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the United Daughters of the Confederacy series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1860.

Location. 34° 52.466′ N, 118° 53.564′ W. Marker is near Lebec, California, in Kern County. It is on Fort Tejon Road west of Interstate 5. Located at the south end of the parking lot of Fort Tejon State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lebec CA 93243, 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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Camels of Fort Tejon (here, next to this marker); Peter Lebeck (here, next to this marker); Camel Brigade (here, next to this marker); Fort Tejon

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Peter Lebec (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Don Pedro Fages (approx. 3.2 miles away); Interstate Highway 5 (approx. 3.6 miles away); El Camino Viejo (approx. 4.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lebec.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Lieutenant Edward Fitzgerald Beale (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Related Army Great Western Camel Experiment Markers

Photographed by Craig Baker, February 16, 2022

2. Camel Trail Terminus Marker

Photographed by Denise Boose, March 14, 2010

3. Camel Trail Terminus Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 3,002 times since then and 22 times this year. Last updated on July 9, 2010, by Chris English of Phoenix, Arizona. Photos: 1. submitted on May 30, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 2. submitted on February 17, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on May 22, 2015, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.