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

Railroads Revolutionize Transportation

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 23, 2023

1. Railroads Revolutionize Transportation Marker

Inscription. By the late 1800s, transcontinental railroads were uniting the nation. The Southern Pacific was the first to cross the Mojave Desert in 1883. Train routes provided economical transportation for raw materials like minerals and cattle to larger markets such as Los Angeles. Short lines developed, creating a web of routes serviing remote desert valleys.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.

Location. 35° 26.15′ N, 115° 42.083′ 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 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,

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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: Modern Highways (here, next to this marker); Ranching and Mining (here, next to this marker); Who Has Lived Here? (a few steps from this marker); Movement in the Desert (a few steps from this marker); Western Expansion (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.