Near Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Holcomb Valley
Photographed By Phillip Holdaway
1. Holcomb Valley Marker
This photo is of the original plaque, dedicated in 1955 by Platrix Chapter No. 2. This bronze plaque was lost in time. The second plaque, which was a re-dedication in 1970 of the original (by both Platrix Chapter No. 2 and Billy Holcomb Chapter No. 1069) also went missing.
Named for William Francis "Bill" Holcomb, pioneer prospector who, in this valley discovered Southern California's richest gold field - May 5, 1860.
Erected 1955 by Billy Holcomb Chapter No. 1069, Platrix Chapter No. 2, E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 2005.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 34° 18.085′ N, 116° 53.145′ W. Marker was near Big Bear Lake, California, in San Bernardino County. Marker could be reached from Holcomb Valley Road (Road 3N16) half a mile east of Van Dusen Canyon Road (Road 3N09), on the right when traveling west. The marker was located approximately 2,000 feet east of this intersection between the parking area and the replica cabin to the west. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Big Bear City CA 92314, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. Bellevill Holcomb Valley (here, next to this marker); Big Bear Valley (approx. 2.8 miles away); Woodland Club Caddy Shack
this page online
More about this marker. This plaque dedication was a joint dedication with Platrix Chapter No. 2 and was a re-dedication of their plaque. The original site of the bronze plaque at the Hitchcock Ranch, dedicated in 1955, was lost with time. Our first Humbug, L. Burr Belden, stated "...a large truck made too wide a swath at the corner and wiped out the marker."
SOURCE: Billy Holcomb Chapter 1069 35th Anniversary Plaque Book by Phillip Holdaway
Regarding Holcomb Valley. Holcomb Valley later became known for the cattle raised there. One of the main ranches was the Hitchcock Ranch. Many people drove the narrow, twisting roads all the way from Los Angeles to purchase fresh and very delicious beef from this and other
![Holcomb Valley [Missing Marker] image. Click for full size.](Photos1/185/Photo185092.jpg?12182011125500PM "Holcomb Valley [Missing Marker]. Click for full size.")
Photographed By Michael Kindig, June 18, 2011
2. Holcomb Valley [Missing Marker]
SOURCE: Billy Holcomb Chapter 1069 35th Anniversary Plaque Book by Phillip Holdaway
Also see . . .
1. William Francis “Grizzly Bill / Uncle Billy” Holcomb (1831 - 1912). Find A Grave website entry:
He was born in Tippecanoe, Iowa to Zephaniah and Mary (Collins) Holcomb and arrived in California in 1850. He struck gold and hunted bear in the San Bernardino mountain valley now bearing his name. (Submitted on December 20, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California.)
2. Holcomb Valley Gold Discovery. Digital Desert website entry (Submitted on June 16, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Michael Kindig, June 18, 2011
3. Holcomb Valley
Photographed By Michael Kindig, June 18, 2011
4. Van Dusen Cabin
Photographed By Michael Kindig, June 18, 2011
5. Van Dusen Cabin
San Bernardino Historical & Pioneer Society
6. William F. (Billy) Holcomb
Billy Holcomb is the namesake for the Billy Holcomb Chapter 1069, E Clampus Vitus.
Photographed By Michael Kindig, January 29, 2011
7. William F. Holcomb Headstone
1931 - 1912
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Nancy C. Holcomb
1838 - 1919
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Pioneer Memorial Cemetery
211 East 9th Street
San Bernardino, San Bernardino Co., California
Credits. This page was last revised on November 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 1,535 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 17, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 18, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 6. submitted on December 20, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 7. submitted on December 29, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
