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
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 • 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 County. Marker is on
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.
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 (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 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
Photographed By Michael Kindig, April 24, 2009
7. Clyde V. Kane Safety Rest Area
Photographed By Craig Baker, 2020
8. Rest Area Sign
Photographed By Michael Kindig, August 7, 2016
9. Commemorative Pin
Afton Canyon - Fall 1988
E Clampus Vitus - Billy Holcomb
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 Long Beach, California. This page has been viewed 758 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on August 8, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Long Beach, California. Photos: 1. submitted on October 21, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2. submitted on December 18, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Long Beach, 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 Long Beach, California. 6. submitted on October 27, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 7. submitted on December 24, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Long Beach, California. 8. submitted on October 27, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 9, 10. submitted on August 8, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Long Beach, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
