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
who helped to preserve these caverns
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. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 34° 54.521′ N, 115° 25.465′ W. Marker was near Kelso, California, in San Bernardino County. Marker was at the intersection of Essex Road and Black Canyon Road, on the right when traveling north on Essex Road. Drive north on Essex Road from I-40 for 10 miles to the junction at Black Canyon Road. Note: The marker has been removed for relocation. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Essex CA 92332, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. The marker is located near the Mitchell Caverns State Recreation Area. These dry caverns are about 60 miles west of Needles and 116 miles east of Barstow. The marker is mounted low, at the 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 Michael Kindig, October 4, 2009
2. Jack and Ida Mitchell Marker
Photographed By Michael Kindig, October 4, 2009
3. Jack and Ida Mitchell Cabin
Photographed By Michael Kindig, October 4, 2009
4. National Natural Landmark Marker
and Winding Stair Cave
has been designated a
National
Natural Landmark
This site possesses exceptional value
as an illustration of the Nation's natural
heritage and contribues to a better
understanding of man's environment.
1975
National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior
Photographed By Michael Kindig, October 4, 2009
5. Mitchell Caverns
Photographed By Michael Kindig, October 4, 2009
6. Mitchell Caverns
Photographed By Michael Kindig, October 4, 2009
7. Mitchell Caverns
Photographed By Michael Kindig, May 1, 1977
8. Dedication Patch
Mitchell Caverns - Spring 1977
Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 840 times since then and 14 times this year. Last updated on November 3, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 17, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on December 22, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 8. submitted on January 29, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
