Near Niland in Imperial County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Salvation Mountain
Born on November 1, 1931 in Shelburne Falls, Vermont, Leonard found "religion" mid-life; he found frustration as well. All religions were too complicated for Leonard. He saw it all very simply: repent to Jesus Christ and be forgive of your sins. His struggle for simple faith took him across the United States to end up here in Niland: he never left. For just under 30 years, without benefits of electricity or running water, Leonard passionately labored daily to create a message for the world to hopefully see: "God is Love."
Embarrassed to call himself an artist, Leonard perfected his artistic technique using only what was at hand, what he could scrounge at the local dump and what as donated by the faithful or the curious. Leonard left the mountain November of 2011 and at the age of 82, went to meet his Mentor on February 10, 2014.
Erected 2016 by Salvation Mountain, Inc. and E Clampus Vitus, John P. Squibob Chapter #1853.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Churches & Religion • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list.
Location. 33° 15.24′ N, 115° 28.374′ W. Marker is near Niland, California, in Imperial County. Marker is on Beal Road near Telephone Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Niland CA 92257, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Leonard Knight's Salvation Mountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp Dunlap (approx. 2.8 miles away).
More about this marker. In reality, whatever that is, Salvation Mountain is closer to Slab City than any place else; and more like it too.
Also see . . . Salvation Mountain. Website homepage:
Salvation Mountain must be seen to be fully appreciated as those who have made the journey will attest. Its 50 foot height and 150 foot breadth is made totally of local adobe clay and donated paint and is truly unique in the United States and probably the world. From its Sea of Galilee at the bottom, to the big red heart in the middle, to the cross at the very top, the reoccurring theme of "Love" is everywhere at Salvation Mountain. (Submitted on March 2, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 284 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on March 2, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.