Near Trona in Inyo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Valley Wells

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 4, 2022

1. Valley Wells Marker

Inscription. In this area, several groups of midwestern emigrants, who had escaped from hazards and privations in Death Valley in 1849, sought to secure water from Searles Lake. When they discovered its salty nature, they turned northward and westward in despair, and with travail crossed the Argus and other mountains to reach settlements of Central and Southern California.

Erected 1949 by California Centennials Commission, Death Valley 49ers Inc., Trona Lions Club. (Marker Number 443.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 35° 49.769′ N, 117° 20.304′ W. Marker is near Trona, California, in Inyo County. It is on Trona Wildrose Road just north of Valley Wells Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1555 Trona Wildrose Road, Trona CA 93562, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

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 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Trona Unified School (approx. 4½ miles away); Austin Hall (approx. 5.2 miles away); Old Guest House Museum (approx. 5.3 miles away); Searles Lake Borax Discovery

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. 5.4 miles away); Fish Canyon (approx. 6½ miles away); Epsom Salts Monorail (approx. 10.7 miles away); John & Dennis Searles Wagon Routes (approx. 10.7 miles away); Famous Trona Pinnacles (approx. 10.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Trona.

Regarding Valley Wells. This plaque marks one of four California Historical Landmarks commemorating the 49er Expedition through Death Valley. The other plaques are: Death Valley Gateway, Bennett-Arcane Long Camp and Burned Wagons Point.

Photographed by Alvis Hendley, February 21, 2007

2. Valley Wells Marker

Photographed by Alvis Hendley, February 21, 2007

3. Valley Wells Marker

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 4, 2022

4. Valley Wells Marker

Photographed by Alvis Hendley, February 21, 2007

5. Valley Wells Marker

Photographed by Alvis Hendley, February 21, 2007

6. Valley Wells Marker

Erected & dedicated by the Trona Lions Club Dec 2, 1949.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2016, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. This page has been viewed 821 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 5, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3. submitted on March 30, 2016, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. 4. submitted on April 5, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5, 6. submitted on March 30, 2016, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.