Near Midway in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Mojave Road
By Michael Kindig, April 24, 2009
1. Mojave Road Marker
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 in cooperation with 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 • Native Americans • 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
By Michael Kindig, April 24, 2009
2. Mojave Road Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Camp Cady (1860-1871) (approx. 9˝ miles away); Harvard Reservoir (approx. 11.7 miles away); Harvard Mill (approx. 11.8 miles away); 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
By Michael Kindig, April 24, 2009
3. Mojave Road Marker
By Michael Kindig, April 24, 2009
4. Clyde V. Kane Safety Rest Area
By Michael Kindig, August 7, 2016
5. Commemorative Pin
Afton Canyon - Fall 1988
E Clampus Vitus - Billy Holcomb
By Michael Kindig, October 9, 1988
6. Friends of the Mojave Road
Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Long Beach, California. This page has been viewed 701 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on August 8, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Long Beach, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 18, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Long Beach, California. 3, 4. submitted on December 24, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Long Beach, California. 5, 6. submitted on August 8, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Long Beach, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
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