Barstow in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Mojave Runners

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

1. Mojave Runners Marker

Inscription. The Mojave Indian Runners helped get messages and information to far flung villages. They could run up to 100 miles a day barefoot and only donned sandals on very rocky or spiney [sic] areas. A group of them met Capt. John Fremont in 1844 near where Hinkley is now. These six Mojave told Fremont they had once lived in the area and raised vegetables. Because of these Indians, Fremont named the river and surrounding desert “Mohahve”. The later use of “Mojave” was a corruption of Fremont’s spelling, probably trying to use the Spanish spelling.

Erected by Barstow's Main Street Mural Project.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Exploration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.

Location. 34° 53.933′ N, 117° 1.52′ W. Marker is in Barstow, California, in San Bernardino County. It is on East Main Street (Business Interstate 15), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 223 East Main Street, Barstow CA 92311, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in Greater Los Angeles,

in the Mojave Desert,

in the Peninsular Ranges,

and specifically in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also in the American Southwest.

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 walking distance of this marker: Amiel Weeks Whipple (a few steps from this marker); General Steven Watts Kearny (within shouting distance of this marker); Kit Carson (within shouting distance of this marker); John Charles Fremont (within shouting distance of this marker); Jedediah Smith (within shouting distance of this marker); The California Gold Rush (within shouting distance of this marker); Father Garces (within shouting distance of this marker); Calico Mountain Mines (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barstow.

More about this marker. This mural is number 11 in the series. Barstow’s Main Street murals

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

2. Mojave Runners Marker

are intended to illustrate Barstow’s past and enhance its future. The murals line historic Route 66, the Mother Road. The murals depict aspects of the history of Barstow and the surrounding area. New murals are added annually.

Also see . . . Main Street Murals. (Submitted on December 15, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Barstow's Main Street Murals Directory image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

3. Barstow's Main Street Murals Directory

[click image to enlarge]
Historic Murals on Route 66’s last existing
“Main St” Illustrating Barstow’s Past to Enhance Its Future

Working to build pride and unity within our community and revitalize Historic Downtown Barstow through the preservation and celebration of our rich cultural heritage through education programs, walking tours, public art and festivals.

We welcome new members who appreciate the power of public art and have a vision for how it can become a revitalizing force in the community.
For further information Tel: 760 257 1052
www.mainstreetmurals.com

The “Native American Voices from the Mojave Desert” Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

4. The “Native American Voices from the Mojave Desert” Mural

The mural, located on Barstow Road at East Main Street, was painted in 2008.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

5. The “Native American Voices from the Mojave Desert” Mural

Mojave Runners Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Richard Hawkins, March 30, 2013

6. Mojave Runners Mural

This current view shows defacing graffiti on the mural.

Mural Credits image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Richard Hawkins, March 30, 2013

7. Mural Credits

Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 2,615 times since then and 99 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 15, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 6, 7. submitted on April 8, 2013, by Richard Hawkins of Phelan, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.