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

Amiel Weeks Whipple

1817-1863

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

1. Amiel Weeks Whipple Marker

Inscription. His Expedition (sic) for a transcontinental railroad, crossed the Colorado River on Feb. 27, 1854 and 3 weeks later reached Los Angeles, receiving aid from the Mojave Indians. The Atcheson, Topeka, & Santa Fe Railroad followed Whipple’s trail for much of the way from Albuquerque to California. The scientific reports are considered a “glorious chapter” in the history of American science.

Erected 2006 by Barstow's Main Street Mural Project.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Exploration • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1848.

Location. 34° 53.92′ N, 117° 1.522′ 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: 212 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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: General Steven Watts Kearny (a few steps from this marker); Kit Carson (a few steps from this marker); The California Gold Rush (a few steps from this marker); Mojave Runners (a few steps from this marker); John Charles Fremont (within

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shouting distance of this marker); Jedediah Smith (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. 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 were added annually.

Also see . . .
1. Amiel Weeks Whipple - Digital-Desert. In 1853-56 he had charge of the exploration from Fort Smith, Ark., to Los Angeles for a projected transcontinental railroad route near the 35th parallel of latitude. (Submitted on December 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

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

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

2. Amiel Weeks Whipple Marker

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

The portrait of Amiel Weeks Whipple image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

3. The portrait of Amiel Weeks Whipple

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

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011

4. Amiel Weeks Whipple Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,246 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.