Barstow in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Mormon Trail
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011
1. The Mormon Trail Marker
In 1851, a wagon train of Mormon pioneers settled San Bernardino Valley. They established farms, ranches, stage stops, mining and freighting interests and started a pony express mail service between Southern California and Utah.
Mormon pioneers who settled here helped change Californias main economy to agriculture, establishing Californias pioneer era of 1846-1886.
Sponsors and Contributors: Barstow Appraisal, Barstow Flower and Bridal, Brunners Tiny Time, Barstow Community Hospital, Barstow Theater Guild, Burrtec Waste Industries, Haver Glass, Main St. Murals.
Erected 2005 by Barstow's Main Street Mural Project.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Exploration • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.
Location. 34° 53.956′ N, 117° 1.609′ W. Marker is in
this page online
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: The Old Spanish Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); General Beale Uses Camels (within shouting distance of this marker); The Standard Station at First & Main (within shouting distance of this marker); Ft Irwin National Training Center (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The California Gold Rush (about 400 feet away); Mojave Runners (about 500 feet away); Amiel Weeks Whipple (about 500 feet away); General Steven Watts Kearny (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barstow.
More about this marker. This mural is the fourth 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 were added annually.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011
2. The Mormon Trail Mural - Part A
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011
3. The Mormon Trail Mural - Part B
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011
4. The Mormon Trail Mural - Part C
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011
5. The Mormon Trail Mural - Part D
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, October 16, 2011
6. The Mormon Trail Mural - Part E
The marker is to the lower-right of this portion of the mural.
Photographed by Craig Baker
7. Mormon Trail Mural
Photographed by Craig Baker, December 21, 2024
8. Adjacent Mural - City of Barstow
Photographed by Craig Baker
9. Nearby Mural - Route 66
Photographed by Craig Baker, December 21, 2024
10. Nearby Mural - Animals of the Mojave
Photographed by Craig Baker, December 21, 2024
11. Highway Signs
Photographed by Craig Baker, December 21, 2024
12. El Rancho Motel
Located across the street, it was constructed of T & T railroad ties in 1944, and destroyed by fire in 2022.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,691 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 16, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 7, 8, 9. submitted on December 21, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 10. submitted on December 22, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 11, 12. submitted on December 21, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
