Near Lanfair in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Camp Rock Spring
Photographed by Michael Kindig, November 22, 2009
1. Camp Rock Spring Marker
To the United States Soldiers of Camp Rock Spring who guarded the U.S. Mail:
No glory there, nor much chance for military fame, but true patriots and heroes were they, to submit to such privations -- yet these are the nurseries of the army, and from such hard schools we graduated a Grant and Sherman, Sheridan and Thomas.
General James. F. Rusling, USA
Erected 1976 by Billy Holcomb Chapter No. 1069 E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 19.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Military • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus, and the Mojave Road (Old Government Road) series lists.
Location. 35° 9.197′ N, 115° 19.715′ W. Marker is near Lanfair, California, in San Bernardino County. It is at the intersection of Cedar Canyon Road and New York Mountain Road, on the right when traveling east on Cedar Canyon Road. Marker is located approximately 1,500 feet southeast of this intersection on the south side of the hill. This dirt road can be very sandy and may require 4-wheel drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nipton CA 92364, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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.
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Nevada Southern Railway (was approx. 8.1 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Regarding Camp Rock Spring. A detachment of soldiers was stationed at Rock Springs to protect travelers from marauding Indians. They were ordered to "...hunt themselves by their own labor with materials as may be found in the vicinity." Spartan conditions to say the least! As this camp was so far from the headquarters of Drum Barracks near Los Angeles, it often took four months to get replacement boots ordered and delivered to the soldiers here. It was not a good life in the desert at any time of year without footwear. SOURCE: Billy Holcomb Chapter 1069 35th Anniversary Plaque Book by Phillip Holdaway
Also see . . . Historic California Posts: Camp Rock Springs. An official Army post, Camp Rock Spring in the Mojave Desert, on the road from Camp Cady to Fort Mohave, Arizona, located near Kelso, San Bernardino County, was established on December 30, 1866. Post returns reveal that Lieutenant L H. Robinson, 14th Infantry,
Photographed by Michael Kindig, November 22, 2009
2. Camp Rock Spring Marker
Photographed by Michael Kindig, November 22, 2009
3. Rock Spring Loop Trail
Photographed by Michael Kindig, January 15, 2011
4. Rock House
Photographed by Michael Kindig, January 15, 2011
5. Rock House
Photographed by Michael Kindig, January 15, 2011
6. Balanced Rock
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 1,226 times since then and 42 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, 5, 6. submitted on December 22, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
