Chase in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Mojave Road
Photographed by Michael Kindig, October 4, 2009
1. The Mojave Road Marker
Long ago Mohave Indians used a network of pathways to cross the Mojave Desert to reach the Pacific Coast from their homes along the Colorado River. In 1776, the Spanish Missionary Francisco Garces became the first non-Indian to trek these trans-desert routes. In 1826 Jedediah Smith trod these trails to become the first white man to reach the California Coast overland from mid-America. The route became a military wagon road in 1859 when Fort Mojave on the Colorado River was established. This travel route remained a major link between Los Angeles and points east until a railway was completed across the desert in 1883.
Erected 1986 by Transierra Roisterous Alliance of Senior Humbugs of E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 40.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus, and the Mojave Road (Old Government Road) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1776.
Location. 35° 10.565′ N, 115° 30.552′ W. Marker is in Chase, California, in San Bernardino County. It is at the intersection of Kelso Cima Road and Cedar Canyon Road, on the right when traveling south on
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 6 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Mojave Cross (approx. 9.9 miles away); Teutonia Peak Trail (approx. 10 miles away); Rock House (approx. 10 miles away); Camp Rock Spring (approx. 10.3 miles away); Hole-in-the-Wall (approx. 11.1 miles away); Kelso Depot (approx. 14 miles away).
Other markers no longer nearby. Pozos de San Juan de Dios (was approx. 7.9 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Kelso Jail (was approx. 14 miles away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. This marker was erected by the Billy Holcomb Chapter members as an honorary service to the Transierra Roisterous Alliance of Senior Humbugs (T.R.A.S.H.). It was the 12th T.R.A.S.H. Trek and was led by Sid Blumner, T.R.A.S.H. leader and X-Humbug of Billy Holcomb Chapter. SOURCE: Billy Holcomb Chapter 1069 35th Anniversary Plaque Book by Phillip Holdaway
Also see . . .
1. Mojave Road. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on October 20, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Michael Kindig, October 4, 2009
2. The Mojave Road Marker
2. Mohave Desert Land Trust. Organization website homepage (Submitted on October 20, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Michael Kindig, November 27, 2010
3. The Mojave Road Marker
Plaque erected by Billy Holcomb Chapter E Clampus Vitus 1986
Photographed by Michael Kindig, October 4, 2009
4. The Mojave Road
Photographed by Larry Gertner
5. Road Map
Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 3,257 times since then and 92 times this year. Last updated on November 3, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 18, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 4. submitted on December 23, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 5. submitted on October 20, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
