Near Mountain Pass in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Valley Wells
Photographed By Michael Kindig, October 9, 2009
1. Valley Wells Marker
In the late 1860's copper was discovered on Clark Montain and the Clark Mining District was organized. Ore was rich but high transportation costs soon caused mining to cease. In the late 1890's the railroad came within 30 miles and the original strike, the Copper World Mine, was reopened. Two wells were sunk and in 1899 a 50-ton smelter was built, treating ore hauled by 20-mule teams. In 1917 a 100-ton furnace was built, but was in use only a short while. In 1894 Valley Wells (formerly known as Rosalie) became headquarters of the Yates Ranch Cattle Co. Ranching ceased around 1950. The Copper World reopened in 1977 and there is large-scale production of gold and rare-earth minerals in the Clark District up to the present day.Erected 1992 by Billy Holcomb Chapter No. 1069, E Clampus Vitus in cooperation with Caltrans, District 8. (Marker Number 70.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.
Location.
Photographed By Adam Margolis, April 11, 2015
2. Valley Wells Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Railroads Revolutionize Transportation (within shouting distance of this marker); Ranching and Mining (within shouting distance of this marker); Who Has Lived Here? (within shouting distance of this marker); Western Expansion (within shouting distance of this marker); Movement in the Desert (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line).
Regarding Valley Wells. Valley Wells was originally named Rosalie after an early mine of the same name. The U.S. Post Office in Ivanpah moved to Rosalie in April 1899 and was maintained until August 1903. In November of 1899 a visitor stated, "The Copper World...is proving to be a veritable bonanza, and a camp is growing there that will eventually be as large as the famous Jerome copper camp." There are virtually no contemporary accounts of this camp. SOURCE: Billy Holcomb Chapter
Photographed By Michael Kindig, October 9, 2009
3. Valley Wells Marker
Photographed By Michael Kindig, October 3, 2009
4. View from Copper World Mine
Photographed By Michael Kindig, October 3, 2009
5. Copper World Mine
Photographed By Michael Kindig, October 3, 2009
6. Copper World MIne
Photographed By Michael Kindig, October 3, 2009
7. Copper World Mine
Photographed By Michael Kindig, October 3, 2009
8. Copper World MIne
Photographed By Denise Boose, May 23, 2009
9. Valley Wells Marker to the far left in the distance.
The Valley Wells rest area south bound I-15.
Photographed By Richard Hawkins, April 5, 2013
10. Valley Wells Marker is above the silver water fountain in the photo
Photographed By Richard Hawkins, April 5, 2013
11. Valley Wells Rest Area
Photographed By Richard Hawkins, April 5, 2013
12. Valley Wells is a new upgraded rest area
Photographed By Richard Hawkins, April 5, 2013
13. Valley Wells Satellite Map
Some signs will show relief, terrain and display other unique images for the surrounding areas.
Photographed By Richard Hawkins, April 5, 2013
14. Valley Wells Points of Interests Map
Photographed By Richard Hawkins, April 5, 2013
15. Valley Wells Railroads revolutionize transportantion
Photographed By Richard Hawkins, April 5, 2013
16. Valley Wells Ranching and Minning
Photographed By Richard Hawkins, April 5, 2013
17. Valley Wells Western Expansion sign
Photographed By Richard Hawkins, April 5, 2013
18. Valley Wells Movement in the Desert
Photographed By Richard Hawkins, April 5, 2013
19. Clark Mountian Marker
Photographed By Richard Hawkins, April 5, 2013
20. Viewing area for Clark Mountain
binoculars are allowed in this rest area and one is for the handicapped as well. The price is right as it is free and you can see clearly for miles!.
Photographed By Richard Hawkins, April 5, 2013
21. Hilltops to View Big Horn Sheep
Photographed By Richard Hawkins, April 5, 2013
22. National Trail-Route 66 Trail Marker and Directional Sign to Additional Sites
Photographed By Denise Boose, May 18, 2015
23. Valley Wells Marker
Located just above the drinking fountain.
Photographed By Michael Kindig, October 11, 1992
24. Event Patch
1069 - ECV
Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Long Beach, California. This page has been viewed 1,375 times since then and 76 times this year. Last updated on November 3, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Long Beach, California. Photos: 1. submitted on December 19, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Long Beach, California. 2. submitted on February 16, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3. submitted on December 19, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Long Beach, California. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on December 24, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Long Beach, California. 9. submitted on March 17, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22. submitted on April 9, 2013, by Richard Hawkins of Phelan, California. 23. submitted on May 19, 2015, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 24. submitted on August 8, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Long Beach, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
