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

Who Has Lived Here?

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 23, 2023

1. Who Has Lived Here? Marker

Inscription. Humans have lived in the Mojave Desert for perhaps 12,000 years. The earliest humans inhabited this region during times of higher precipitation, when the dry lake beds of today were filled with water. Their projectile points, scrapers, and other simple stone tools are sometimes found near ancient lake shores. The bow and arrow came into use, as did pottery and basket making. As the climate became more arid and the lakes went dry, the people of the Mojave began traveling with the seasons over large areas to collect food. Grinding stones were used to process seeds and tough vegetable foods. By 1200 A.D., native groups across the region were diversifying. Marine Shell beads found in the Mojave are evidence of trade with coastal groups.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1200.

Location. 35° 26.147′ 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

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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 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: Movement in the Desert (here, next to this marker); Western Expansion (here, next to this marker); Ranching and Mining (here, next to 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