Near Mountain Pass in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Western Expansion

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 23, 2023

1. Western Expansion Marker

Inscription. In 1776, while Spain was establishing missions in California, Father Garces became in the first known Europe to travel along Indian trails here. Mojave Indians helped guide Garces west to the San Gabriel Mission. In 1826, famed trapper and explorer Jedediah Smith crossed the desert, followed by other trappers and settlers. The discovery of gold in eastern California, Nevada and Arizona in the mid 1800s led to the development of wagon routes across the desert and changed this area forever.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1776.

Location. 35° 26.144′ N, 115° 42.089′ W. Marker is near Mountain Pass, California, in San Bernardino County. It is on Interstate 15 26 miles south of Primm, on the right when traveling south. Located at Valley Wells Rest Area on the south-bound side of Interstate 15. 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

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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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Who Has Lived Here? (here, next to this marker); Movement in the Desert (here, next to this marker); Ranching and Mining (a few steps from this marker); Railroads Revolutionize Transportation (a few steps from this marker); Modern Highways (a few steps from this marker); Valley Wells (within shouting distance of this marker); Footprints in Time (approx. 0.2 miles away); Teutonia Peak Trail (approx. 11.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mountain Pass.