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

Lane's Crossing

Photographed By Michael Kindig, May 4, 2014

1. Lane's Crossing Marker

Inscription.

Lane's Crossing. . Since ancient times, indigenous peoples have used the many networks of trails in the East Mojave Desert for both seasonal migration and to carry on trade with coastal Indians. Most of these trails converged at narrow passes and safe river crossings. Such was the case here at what has become known as the Lower Narrows, or Lane's Crossing. The Serrano-Vanyume village of Tobiabit was located here. The Mojave River flowed almost all year, providing weary travelers with much needed water and rest. The first American expedition to use this crossing was under the command of Jedediah Smith, who came from the East in 1826. Other notable explorers who used the crossing include Father Garces (1776) William Wolfskill (1830), and John C. Fremont (1844). Lane's Crossing was an important waypoint on the Mojave Road between Prescott, Arizona and Wilmington, California and was used by camels, wagons, soldiers, gold seekers, and outlaws., Aaron Lane was born in New Hampshire in 1818. In 1847, Lane enlisted in Company H of the 9th U.S. Infantry to fight in the Mexican War. While in Mexico, Lane contracted malaria and was relieved of his duties. Finding the climate in New Hampshire unsuitable to his condition, Lane moved to Calavaras County, California in 1850. He later moved to San Bernardino California, where business and health prospects were more favorable. Realizing the commercial potential of this heavily utilized crossing of the Mojave River, Lane moved here in 1858 and established Lane's Pioneer Station. The station catered to the needs of immigrants, freighters, traders, and more than a few horse thieves and rustlers. In 1859 a group of Indians descended on Lane's home and stole all of his possessions. Despite this and other hardships, Lane endured and prospered, finally selling out in 1865. Aaron Lane died on September 14, 1883, a true California pioneer., Plaque Dedicated May 4 2014 , by , The Billy Holcomb Chapter , of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus. . This historical marker was erected in 2014 by Billy Holcomb Chapter No. 1069, E Clampus Vitus. It is in Victorville in San Bernardino County California

Since ancient times, indigenous peoples have used the many networks of trails in the East Mojave Desert for both seasonal migration and to carry on trade with coastal Indians. Most of these trails converged at narrow passes and safe river crossings. Such was the case here at what has become known as the Lower Narrows, or Lane's Crossing. The Serrano-Vanyume village of Tobiabit was located here. The Mojave River flowed almost all year, providing weary travelers with much needed water and rest. The first American expedition to use this crossing was under the command of Jedediah Smith, who came from the East in 1826. Other notable explorers who used the crossing include Father Garces (1776) William Wolfskill (1830), and John C. Fremont (1844). Lane's Crossing was an important waypoint on the Mojave Road between Prescott, Arizona and Wilmington, California and was used by camels, wagons, soldiers, gold seekers, and outlaws.

Aaron Lane was born in New Hampshire in 1818. In 1847, Lane enlisted in Company H of the 9th U.S. Infantry to fight in the Mexican War. While in Mexico, Lane contracted malaria and was relieved of his duties. Finding

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the climate in New Hampshire unsuitable to his condition, Lane moved to Calavaras County, California in 1850. He later moved to San Bernardino California, where business and health prospects were more favorable. Realizing the commercial potential of this heavily utilized crossing of the Mojave River, Lane moved here in 1858 and established Lane's Pioneer Station. The station catered to the needs of immigrants, freighters, traders, and more than a few horse thieves and rustlers. In 1859 a group of Indians descended on Lane's home and stole all of his possessions. Despite this and other hardships, Lane endured and prospered, finally selling out in 1865. Aaron Lane died on September 14, 1883, a true California pioneer.

Plaque Dedicated May 4 2014
by
The Billy Holcomb Chapter
of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus

Erected 2014 by Billy Holcomb Chapter No. 1069, E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 150.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • War, Mexican-American. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 4, 1981.

Location. 34° 34.347′ N, 117° 20.183′

Photographed By Michael Kindig, May 4, 2014

2. Lane's Crossing Marker

W. Marker is in Victorville, California, in San Bernardino County. Marker is on Turner Road, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14801 Turner Road, Victorville CA 92394, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mojave River Crossing (here, next to this marker); Emma Jean's (approx. 1½ miles away); California Route 66 Museum, Victorville, California (approx. 3.4 miles away); Old Town Victorville Veterans Memorial (approx. 3.6 miles away); Mormon Springs (approx. 3.6 miles away); Family Home of B.J. Westlund, then Roy Rogers (approx. 6.7 miles away); Thorn Train Siding (approx. 7.7 miles away); John Brown Road at The Mojave Trail (approx. 9.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victorville.

Also see . . .
1. Lane's Crossing. Aaron Lane can be placed on the Mojave River as early as December 1858, at which time a theft took place on his property. The crime is noted in a letter dated December 16, 1859, from Brevet Major James Henry Carleton, First Dragoons, at Fort Tejon, to Major W. W. Mackall, Assistant Adjutant General, in San Francisco. (Submitted on May 7, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California.)

2. Pioneer of the Mojave. This is the story of Victor Valley pioneer Captain A. G. Lane, the first permanent settler on the High Desert. In 1858 Lane located at a spot about one-half mile below

Dedication Patch image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Kindig, May 5, 2014

3. Dedication Patch

Lane's Crossing
Billy Holcomb 1069
Spring Clampout 6019

the lower narrows of the Mojave River. (Submitted on May 7, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California.)

Lane's Crossing and Mojave River Crossing Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Kindig, May 4, 2014

4. Lane's Crossing and Mojave River Crossing Markers

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 925 times since then and 83 times this year. Last updated on May 9, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 7, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.