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

John Charles Fremont

1813-1890

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

1. John Charles Fremont Marker

Inscription. Called “Pathfinder”, he was known as the west’s greatest adventurer, noted for bravery and his meticulously recorded notes on vegetation and geography. On his 3rd expedition across California in 1845 he, along with Kit Carson, led the California pioneers to rebel against Mexico to gain independence.

Erected 2006 by Barstow's Main Street Mural Project.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Exploration. A significant historical year for this entry is 1845.

Location. 34° 53.919′ N, 117° 1.504′ W. Marker is in Barstow, California, in San Bernardino County. It is on East Main Street (Business Interstate 15), 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

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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: Jedediah Smith (here, next to this marker); Father Garces (a few steps from this marker); Kit Carson (a few steps from this marker); General Steven Watts Kearny (a few steps from this marker); Amiel Weeks Whipple (within shouting distance of this marker); Mojave Runners (within shouting distance of this marker); The California Gold Rush (within shouting distance of this marker); Christiansen Memorial Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barstow.

Regarding John Charles Fremont. The Early Explorers is the subject of the sixth mural 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 are added annually.

Also see . . .
1. John C. Fremont.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

2. John Charles Fremont Marker

The Fremont marker is on the right.

Wikipedia biography. (Submitted on October 11, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

2. Main Street Murals. (Submitted on December 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

3. John Charles Fremont Marker

The portraits of John C. Fremont and Amiel W. Whipple have been reversed.

John Charles Fremont Portrait image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

4. John Charles Fremont Portrait

The portrait of John C. Fremont above the Amiel W. Whipple marker.

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

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

5. 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

Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,035 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.