Near Kelso in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Jack and Ida Mitchell
Photographed by Michael Kindig, October 4, 2009
1. Jack and Ida Mitchell Marker
Jack and Ida Mitchell, modern pioneers, miner and geologist who helped to preserve these caverns.
Billy Holcomb Chapter E.C.V.
Erected 1977 by Billy Holcomb Chapter No. 1069 E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 16.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Education • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list.
Location. 34° 54.521′ N, 115° 25.465′ W. Marker is near Kelso, California, in San Bernardino County. It is at the intersection of Essex Road and Black Canyon Road, on the right when traveling north on Essex Road. Located 10 miles north of Interstate 40. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Essex CA 92332, 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. At least 2 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Mitchell Caverns (approx. 5.6 miles away); Hole-in-the-Wall (approx. 9½ miles away).
More about this marker. The marker is located near the Mitchell Caverns. The marker is mounted low, at a fork in the road. If you continue on Essex Road nearly 6 miles, you will reach the Mitchell Caverns.
this page online
Regarding Jack and Ida Mitchell. Jack and Ida Mitchell opened the caverns for tours in 1932 supplying lodging and food for tourists. They built the first structures and some are still standing. Jack Mitchell led the first tours by candlelight, and believed in the caverns so much, he bulldozed the original 23 mile dirt road from Essex. The remains of a 15,000 year old ground sloth were discovered in the caverns and archaeologists have also uncovered a number of artifacts left by ancient Indians.
SOURCE: Billy Holcomb Chapter 1069 35th Anniversary Plaque Book by Phillip Holdaway
Photographed by Craig Baker, December 20, 2024
2. Jack and Ida Mitchell Marker
Photographed by Michael Kindig, October 4, 2009
3. Mitchell Cabin / Visitor Center
Photographed by Michael Kindig, October 4, 2009
4. National Natural Landmark
Photographed by Michael Kindig, October 4, 2009
5. Mitchell Caverns
Photographed by Michael Kindig, October 4, 2009
6. Mitchell Caverns
Photographed by Michael Kindig, May 1, 1977
7. Dedication Patch
Mitchell Caverns - Spring 1977
Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 1,202 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on November 3, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1. submitted on December 17, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 2. submitted on December 22, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 22, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 7. submitted on January 29, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
