Barstow in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Jedediah Smith
1798-1831
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011
1. Jedediah Smith Marker
In 1826 he led a party of 17 men through the territory of the Mojave Indians, then west across our Great desert. During the trek, the heat became so intense that it forced him and his men to bury themselves in the sand to keep cool. They were the first Americans to enter California overland from the east.
Erected 2006 by Barstow's Main Street Mural Project.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1826.
Location. 34° 53.919′ N, 117° 1.501′ W. Marker is in Barstow, California, in San Bernardino County. It is on East Main Street/National Trails Highway, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 222 East Main Street, 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: John Charles Fremont (here, next to this marker); Father Garces (here, next to this marker); Kit Carson (a few steps from this marker); General Steven Watts Kearny (within shouting distance of this marker); Amiel Weeks Whipple (within shouting distance of this marker); Mojave Runners (within shouting distance of this
this page online
More about this marker. The Early Explorers is the subject of the sixth mural in the series. Barstows Main Street murals are intended to illustrate Barstows 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 . . .
1. Jedediah Smith. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on October 10, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Main Street Murals. Website homepage (Submitted on December 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
3. Jedediah Smith Society. Society homepage. (Submitted on December 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011
2. Jedediah Smith Marker
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011
3. Jedediah Smith Marker
The Smith marker is the marker on the left.
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 1,422 times since then and 26 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.
