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

General Beale Uses Camels

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

1. General Beale Uses Camels Marker

Inscription. In 1857, under orders to survey a wagon road from New Mexico to California, General Edward Beale followed the 35th parallel to paths opened by Francis Aubry and Lt. A.W. Whipple. Beale’s orders required importation of camels and drivers to experiment carrying freight to the Southwest. Out-performing mules, the camels carried 700 pounds and could go for three days without water. Their feet adapted to rocky-sandy soil, they succeeded both summer and winter, though they were not popular with mules or drivers. The Civil War was brewing so the use of camels ceased.
The railroad and later Route 66 followed Beale’s route.

Erected 2000 by Barstow's Main Street Mural Project.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Military • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.

Location. 34° 53.956′ N, 117° 1.581′ W. Marker is in Barstow, California, in San Bernardino County. It is at the intersection of Cozy Avenue and 2nd Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Cozy Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 N 2nd Ave, Barstow CA 92311, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, 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

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this marker: The Mormon Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Spanish Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Mojave Runners (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The California Gold Rush (about 300 feet away); The Standard Station at First & Main (about 400 feet away); Amiel Weeks Whipple (about 400 feet away); General Steven Watts Kearny (about 400 feet away); Kit Carson (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barstow.

More about this marker. This mural is the second in the series. Barstow’s Main Street murals 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 were added annually.

Also see . . .
1. U.S. Army Camel Corps. (Submitted on December 22, 2024.)
2. Main Street Murals. (Submitted on December 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

2. General Beale Uses Camels Marker

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

Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,206 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.