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

Mojave Road

Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 24, 2009

1. Mojave Road Marker

Inscription. Long ago, Mohave Indians used a network of pathways to cross the Mojave Desert. In 1826, American trapper Jedediah Smith used their paths and became the first non-Indian to reach the California coast overland from mid-America. The paths were worked into a military wagon road in 1859. This "Mojave Road" remained a major link between Los Angeles and points east until a railway crossed the desert in 1883.

Erected 1988 by State Department of Parks and Recreation, Billy Holcomb Chapter No. 1069 E Clampus Vitus, Bureau of Land Management, and Mojave River Valley Museum Association. (Marker Number 963.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, the E Clampus Vitus, and the Mojave Road (Old Government Road) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1826.

Location. 35° 1.906′ N, 116° 28.22′ W. Marker is near Midway, California, in San Bernardino County. It is on Interstate 15 34 miles north of Barstow, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located on the northbound side of Interstate 15 in the Clyde V. Kane Rest Area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Baker CA 92309, 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.

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At least 7 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Mojave Desert (within shouting distance of this marker); Bonnie Keebler Harris Grave (approx. 6 miles away); Camp Cady (approx. 9½ miles away); Harvard Reservoir (approx. 11.7 miles away); Harvard Mill (approx. 11.8 miles away); a different marker also named Camp Cady (approx. 12 miles away); Historic Mojave River Road (approx. 12 miles away).

Regarding Mojave Road. Until the coming of the railroads, the chief route across this part of California was the Mojave Road. Heading west from the Colorado River, it passed several vital sources of water necessary for travelers' survival: Pah-Ute Springs, Rock Springs, Marl Springs, Soda Springs and the Mojave River in Afton Canyon. The route continued on through Cajon Pass in the San Bernardino Mountains to Drum Barracks near Los Angeles Harbor. SOURCE: Billy Holcomb Chapter 1069 35th Anniversary Plaque Book by Phillip Holdaway

Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 24, 2009

2. Mojave Road Marker

Also sponsored by: Friends of the Mojave Road (Road Restoration), California Assoc. of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc., California Off-Road Vehicle Association, Inc., Phantom Duck of the Desert Club, Sports Committee District 37 AMA, Inc.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, December 4, 2015

3. Mojave Road Marker

Photographed by Adam Margolis, December 4, 2015

4. Mojave Road Marker

The marker's reverse can be seen on the left in this view.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 24, 2009

5. Mojave Road Marker

Photographed by Craig Baker, 2020

6. Mojave Road Marker

Clyde V. Kane Safety Rest Area image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 24, 2009

7. Clyde V. Kane Safety Rest Area

Rest Area Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, 2020

8. Rest Area Sign

Commemorative Pin image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, August 7, 2016

9. Commemorative Pin

The Mojave Road
Afton Canyon - Fall 1988
E Clampus Vitus - Billy Holcomb

Friends of the Mojave Road image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, October 9, 1988

10. Friends of the Mojave Road

Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 1,370 times since then and 51 times this year. Last updated on August 8, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1. submitted on October 21, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2. submitted on December 18, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 3, 4. submitted on February 16, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 5. submitted on December 24, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 6. submitted on October 27, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 7. submitted on December 24, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 8. submitted on October 27, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 9, 10. submitted on August 8, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.