Chuckwalla in Riverside County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Shaver's Well
Photographed by Michael Kindig, June 5, 2010
1. Shaver's Well Marker
behind the well
John Shaver
1854 - 1935
Erected 1977 by Billy Holcomb Chapter No. 1069, E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 87.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.
Location. 33° 37.108′ N, 115° 55.079′ W. Marker is in Chuckwalla, California, in Riverside County. It is on Box Canyon Road, on the right. The marker is near the middle of the turnout on the west side of the road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mecca CA 92254, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles, in the Coachella Valley, and in the Peninsular 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 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: North Shore Beach & Yacht Club (approx. 6.9 miles away); The Salton Sea (approx. 7.9 miles away); Young Divisional Camp (approx. 8.2 miles away); Barren or Bountiful (approx. 9.1 miles away); Where Are The Joshua Trees? (approx. 10½ miles away); The Desert Training Center (approx. 11.6 miles away); a different marker also named Desert Training Center (approx. 11.6 miles away); California-Arizona Maneuver Area (approx. 11.6 miles away).
More about this marker
this page online
Regarding Shaver's Well. John Shaver was a member of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors for over 40 years and hired John McGrath to dig this first county-financed well in October 1897. It supplied water for travelers between Indio and Palm Springs, Mecca to Blythe and the Mecca to Dale Roads. Although McGrath had the contract to dig the well it is said to have been dug by Henry Hartman, a prospector. The site of the well at the north of the turnout, near the highway may be hidden by the spreading growth of the tamarisk trees.
SOURCE: Billy Holcomb Chapter 1069 35th Anniversary Plaque Book by Phillip Holdaway
Additional commentary.
1. Chiriaco Summit
The Bradshaw Road was a passage between the Colorado River and the Coachella Valley. Only two unconnected, unpaved pieces of the road remain. Three sites along the road have been marked by plaques erected by E Clampus Vitus. The first is located nine miles west of Blythe at Wiley Well, named for the storekeeper and postmaster A. P. Wiley. A second plaque is placed at Shaver's Well on Box Canyon Road and the third at Chiriaco
Photographed by Michael Kindig, June 5, 2010
2. Shaver's Well Marker
Source: Historic Spots in California 5th Revision by Douglas E. Kyle
— Submitted December 29, 2011.
Photographed by Michael Kindig, June 5, 2010
3. Shaver's Well Marker
Photographed by Michael Kindig, June 5, 2010
4. Shaver's Well Marker
Photographed by Michael Kindig, October 7, 1977
5. Dedication Patch
Shaver's Well - Fall 1977
Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2019. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 2,745 times since then and 37 times this year. Last updated on November 3, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 17, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 5. submitted on January 29, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
