Inyokern in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
"Siding 16"
1909 - 2009
Photographed by Michael Kindig, December 4, 2011
1. "Siding 16" Marker
This Railroad Siding, established in 1909, was the beginning of the town of Inyokern.
In celebration of its 100th anniversary, it is with pride that the Inyokern Chamber of Commerce contributes this commemorative inscription.
Erected 2009 by Inyokern Chamber of Commerce.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.
Location. 35° 38.826′ N, 117° 48.726′ W. Marker is in Inyokern, California, in Kern County. It is at the intersection of West Inyokern Road (State Highway 178) and Brown Road, on the right when traveling west on West Inyokern Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Inyokern CA 93527, 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 6 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Indian Wells (approx. 3.7 miles away); Naval Ordnance Test Station, China Lake (approx. 8.2 miles away); F11 F-1F "Super Tiger" (approx. 8.2 miles away); F-18A Hornet (approx. 8.2 miles away); MK IV Special Weapon (approx. 8.2 miles away); North American T-39D Sabreliner (approx. 8.2 miles away).
Another marker is no longer nearby. Freeman Junction (was approx. 6.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
this page online
Regarding "Siding 16". In 1908, Southern Pacific railroad began constructing a standard-gauge rail line from Mojave to the Owens Valley to transport workers, materials, and equipment needed to build the Los Angeles aqueduct.
In some cases, the busy sidings became the sites of developing settlements that served the workers and their families.
Siding 16 was the supply station for Short Canyon and Indian Wells Canyon, starting in 1909. A small settlement started with a small market for agriculture. Small businesses started to serve workers with food, lodging, a general store then a 12-room hotel, a restaurant, and a bigger general store.
The siding was just a raised unloading platform with a covered shed at one end. Later, that unloading siding would be made into a depot.
First called Siding 16, then Magnolia, then Inyokern in 1910.
-from Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert
Also see . . . Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert. (Submitted on November 9, 2025.)
Additional keywords.
Photographed by Michael Kindig, December 4, 2011
2. "Siding 16" Marker
The concrete slab foundation is behind the marker.
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 28, 2025
3. "Siding 16" Marker
Photographed by Michael Kindig, December 4, 2011
4. Inyokern
Sunshine capital of America
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 28, 2025
5. Inyokern
100 miles from everywhere
courtesy HSUMD
6. Siding 16
Southern Pacific railroad siding at Inyokern, looking southwest, July 1941.
courtesy HSUMD
7. Inyokern Depot
Aerial view of Inyokern, 1950s. The depot is at lower right.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 1,311 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 7, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 3. submitted on May 24, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on December 8, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 5. submitted on May 24, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 6, 7. submitted on November 9, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
