Near Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Holcomb Valley

Photographed by Phillip Holdaway

1. Holcomb Valley Marker

Original plaque, lost in time. The second plaque, re-dedicated in 1970, also went missing.

Inscription.
Named for William Francis "Bill" Holcomb, pioneer prospector who, in this valley discovered Southern California's richest gold field - May 5, 1860.

Erected 1955 by Billy Holcomb Chapter No. 1069, Platrix Chapter No. 2, E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 2.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 2005.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 34° 18.085′ N, 116° 53.145′ W. Marker was near Big Bear Lake, California, in San Bernardino County. It could be reached from Holcomb Valley Road (Road 3N16) half a mile east of Van Dusen Canyon Road (Road 3N09), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Big Bear City CA 92314, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in Greater Los Angeles,

in the San Bernardino Mountains,

in the Peninsular Ranges,

and specifically in the Transverse Ranges.

It was also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it was 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 found itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Bellevill Holcomb Valley (here, next to this marker); People Came and Left This Meadow (a few steps from this marker); The Pigmy Cabin (approx. 0.4 miles away); Big Bear Valley

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(approx. 2.8 miles away); Woodland Club Caddy Shack (approx. 3.4 miles away); 5 Stamp Mill (approx. 3.4 miles away); Main Museum Building (approx. 3.4 miles away); a different marker also named Holcomb Valley (approx. 3½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Big Bear Lake.

More about this marker. This plaque dedication was a joint dedication with Platrix Chapter No. 2 and was a re-dedication of their plaque. The original site of the bronze plaque at the Hitchcock Ranch, dedicated in 1955, was lost with time. Our first Humbug, L. Burr Belden, stated "...a large truck made too wide a swath at the corner and wiped out the marker."
SOURCE: Billy Holcomb Chapter 1069 35th Anniversary Plaque Book by Phillip Holdaway

Regarding Holcomb Valley. Holcomb Valley later became known for the cattle raised there. One of the main ranches was the Hitchcock Ranch. Many people drove the narrow, twisting roads all the way from Los Angeles to purchase fresh and very delicious beef from this and other nearby ranches.
SOURCE: Billy Holcomb Chapter 1069 35th Anniversary Plaque Book by Phillip