Historical Markers and War Memorials in Palm Springs, California
Riverside is the county seat for Riverside County
Palm Springs is in Riverside County
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These stars are dedicated to five citizens of this community who were presented with the Medal of Honor by the President of the United States.
Together, their fields of battle included World War II, Korea, Vietnam and service on the high . . . — — Map (db m206206) WM
On Palm Canyon Drive (California Route 111) 7 miles south of Interstate 10, on the right when traveling south.
Angel Cove is named for an angel-shaped rock formation located at the top of
the cove's largest canyon. The formation, depicted to the right, is best viewed
from a distance across the valley. The naming of Angel Cove is also attributed to
a . . . — — Map (db m232915) HM
WW II searchlights formed part of a system of aircraft detection linking (a) locator device, (b) searchlights, and (c) antiaircraft (AAA) guns. The locators Sent electronic information to the lights and guns, which in turn tracked the target in . . . — — Map (db m206326) HM
On East Tachevah Drive at North Calle Rolph, on the left when traveling east on East Tachevah Drive.
Bel Vista House
Architect Albert Frey
has been placed on the National Register
of Historic Places by the United States
Department of the Interior
1946 — — Map (db m192259) HM
On Kirk Douglas Way, on the right when traveling south.
Hollywood screen and television star, Charlie Farrell, was Mayor of the City of Palm Springs from 1948-1958. While Mayor, he helped secure the return of the Airport to the City after World War II. He founded the Racquet Club with actor Ralph Bellamy . . . — — Map (db m206193) HM
On North Palm Canyon Drive (Business California Route 111) south of East Amado Drive, on the right when traveling south. Reported missing.
On this site in 1908, Nellie N. Coffman (1867-1950),
husband Harry and two sons, George Roberson and Earl Coffman established a small health resort hotel, Desert Inn. Her ability, determination, and charm extended the resorts reputation and people . . . — — Map (db m113078) HM
On North Gene Autry Trail, on the left when traveling north.
The Distinguished Flying Cross
Authorized by Act of Congress 2 July, 1926
"Wall of Honor"
Dedicated on November 11, 2004
Awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in the Armed Forces of the United States, . . . — — Map (db m206322) WM
On North Palm Canyon Drive, on the right when traveling south.
This small Spanish Eclectic structure was the northernmost residence in the village of Palm Springs when it was built in the 1920s. As the city grew, there was an increasing need for community services, especially along "Main Street," and Dr. Smith . . . — — Map (db m82141) HM
On North Palm Canyon Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Prescott T. Stevens, developer of the El Mirador Hotel, donated this site and the funds to build the Frances S. Stevens School, in memory of his wife and her interest in education. The first two rooms were completed in 1927. Katherine Finchy, who . . . — — Map (db m82139) HM
The F-16 is numerically the most important fighter int the Western worlds inventory. Developed for the US Air Force, it embodied lessons learned over Vietnam and was designed as an inexpensive and small version of the F-15.
Since it possessed . . . — — Map (db m206404) HM
On North Palm Canyon Drive (Business California Route 111), on the right when traveling south.
This structure was built c. 1934 by the California Water & Telephone Company as a business office and switching center. It was purchased by General Telephone in 1967 and continued as a switching center until 1984. The structure is constructed of . . . — — Map (db m52738) HM
The United States Navy needed an all-weather carrier-based attack aircraft. The Douglas A-1 Skyraider did its job in the Korean War, but they desired a new aircraft with twin jet engines. The Grumman A 6 Intruder was introduced in 1963 and served as . . . — — Map (db m206437) HM
On West Chino Canyon Road east of Vista Drive, on the right when traveling east.
This property has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
This Mediterranean/Spanish Revival home was built by John and Fannie Hamrick and designed by John Porter Clark and . . . — — Map (db m206177) HM
On West Alejo Road, on the right when traveling west.
Dedicated to all American who offered their lives in support of freedom throughout the world.
Dedicated February 24, 2003 by Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A., LCDR Ben Dobris Post 750, Palm Springs.
Donated By Wiefels & Son Funeral . . . — — Map (db m206278) WM
On Panorama Road south of Chino Canyon Road, on the left when traveling south.
This property has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
Loewy House, 1946.
Designed by architect Albert Frey for famed industrial designer Raymond Loewy. The house . . . — — Map (db m206182) HM
On 182 North Palm Canyon Drive (Business California Route 111), on the left when traveling south.
Desert pioneer, Carl Lykken, built the first general store in the village in 1914. For many years it contained the only telephone and the post office. The store was remodeled with the existing overhang and arches when sidewalks were installed in the . . . — — Map (db m52734) HM
Joining more than 200,000 locations around the world, this Palm Springs Pole brings the international initiative to this international city. Founded in 1955, the global Peace Pole Project seeks to "uplift humankind toward harmony rather than . . . — — Map (db m206210)
Near South Palm Canyon Drive south of West Arenas Road, on the right when traveling south.
The McCallum Adobe, the oldest remaining building in Palm Springs was built in 1885 for John and Emily McCallum, the areas first white settlers. Originally constructed on the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Way, and later a part of the . . . — — Map (db m52731) HM
The A-4 Skyhawk is a lightweight, single engine attack aircraft The first A-4 was delivered to the Navy in 1956 and the Marine Corp in November 1962; 765 A-4 aircraft have been sold worldwide. The A-4 is one of the most effective and versatile light . . . — — Map (db m206319) HM
The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Homet is a twin-engine, supersonic, all-weather,carrier-capable, multirole combat jet
designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft (hence the FA designation), Designed by McDonnell Douglas (row Boeing)
and Northrop, . . . — — Map (db m206443) HM
This public park was deeded to the City of Palm Springs in 1970 by the Mccallum Desert Foundation in memory of Pearl M McMannus, further implementing her life-long plan to improve and beautify Palm Springs. The building to the left was the adobe . . . — — Map (db m206212) HM
The Mig-15 was one of the first successful jet fighters to incorporate swept wings to achieve high transonic speeds. In combat over Korea, it outclassed straight-winged jet day fighters, which were largely relegated to ground attack roles. The . . . — — Map (db m206398) HM
Made famous by the Vietnam War, the MiG-17 was the primary enemy aircraft engaged in the skies over Vietnam by U.S. aircraft, such as the A-4, A-7, F-8, B-52, F-100, F-105 and its primary nemesis, the F-4 Phantom II. During that war and up until the . . . — — Map (db m206321) HM
On North Palm Canyon Drive (Business California Route 111) south of East Tahquitz Canyon Way, on the right when traveling south.
The Oasis Hotel, constructed 1923-25, contained approximately 20 units and included the Tower Building, the only three story hotel building in Palms Springs for many years.
The 40 foot tower, with its pyramidal roof, provided access to the . . . — — Map (db m52742) HM
On Tramway Road, on the right when traveling west.
One of the two original tram cars that made the inaugural trip up Chino Canyon on September 12, 1963, it made over 175,000 round trips by the time it was retired in June 2000.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway was the longest and steepest . . . — — Map (db m210754) HM
On North Belardo Road, on the right when traveling north.
The American Legion is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization.
Post #519 was first chartered in May, 1939.
This austere war memorial building features a unique "lamella” roof created by interlocking pre-cut wood pieces . . . — — Map (db m206259) HM
On North Palm Canyon Drive at West Chino Drive, on the right when traveling south on North Palm Canyon Drive.
This is one of the original street markers used following the incorporation of the City of Palm Springs in 1938. Dr. J. J. Kocher and Philip Boyd, then secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, had renamed the streets in 1930 at which time Main Avenue . . . — — Map (db m82140) HM
On Tramway Road, on the right when traveling west.
This bridge-like structure straddles a gully, allowing water, and the occasional boulder, to pass underneath without damaging the building. The walls of glass offer a view of the mountain. The interior ceiling is of perforated and corrugated . . . — — Map (db m210755) HM
Near Gene Autry Trail (California Route 111) 1 mile south of Vista Chino, on the right when traveling south.
In honor of those who have served in the armed services of the United States from the American Revolution to present and to those who gave their lives in service to protect our freedoms in all military conflicts.
We also pay special tribute . . . — — Map (db m206394) WM
Designed by Albert Frey, John Porter Clark, Robson Chambers, and E. Stewart Williams
This building is made of concrete block. Tubular aluminum bris-soliel offers shade, while allowing a view. In front of the City Council chamber is a large . . . — — Map (db m206254) HM
On West Museum Drive, on the right when traveling south.
Founded in 1938, the Palm Springs Desert Museum is an educational institution that promotes a greater understanding of art, natural science and performing arts. This building designed by E. Stewart Williams, first opened in 1976 — — Map (db m206200) HM
On West Museum Drive, on the right when traveling south.
The Palm Springs Desert Museum, founded in 1938, has occupied three distinct locations in downtown Palm Springs. This building, designed by local architect, E. Stewart Williams, AIA, was first opened in 1976. Williams then design an expansion that . . . — — Map (db m240219) HM
On South Palm Canyon Drive, on the left when traveling south.
The Plaza Theatre opened in December 1936 with a screening of "Camille", a tragic love story starring Robert Taylor and Greta Garbo; actor Ralph Bellamy served as master of ceremonies for this event which attracted about 40 Hollywood celebrities. . . . — — Map (db m82142) HM
On East Alejo Road, on the right when traveling west.
Called Twin Palms for its landmark trees, the singer's modern, view orientated home uses strong horizontal and vertical forms, natural materials and decorative trellis.
Historic Site No. 77 - Class One — — Map (db m206185) HM
On North Palm Canyon Drive (Business California Route 111) south of East Amado Drive.
This is the site of the first community church in Palm Springs. Welwood Murray donated the land in 1906 and the little church stood as a landmark in the village until 1934. The existing Carnell Building designed by Harold Williams was completed in . . . — — Map (db m52736) HM
In the Spring of 1905, the Colorado River, swollen by heavy rainfall and snow-melt, surged into an irrigation canal east of where you are standing. The great "red bull" as settler called the river, overflowed the canals banks and spilled into the . . . — — Map (db m210761) HM
On Chino Canyon Road, on the right when traveling east.
McNaughton, a famed set designer and art director for television and motion pictures, created this whimsical home with over one hundred arches in the Hollywood Regency Style. — — Map (db m206183) HM
On North Palm Canyon Drive (Business California Route 111) north of East Amado Road, on the right when traveling north.
A rare example of a Depression Era Art Modern style building in Palm Springs. The double and triple bands of horizontal 'streamline' moldings, flat unembellished blocky wall surfaces, and symmetrical façade are characteristics of the Art Modern . . . — — Map (db m52737) HM
On Belardo Road, on the right when traveling south.
On this site in 1909, Dr. Harry and Nellie N. Coffman opened the Desert Inn in a single-family house as a small sanitarium for patients suffering from tuberculosis and other respiratory ailments. It established Palm Springs as a desert health resort . . . — — Map (db m206204) HM
On West Panorama Road, on the right when traveling south.
McNaughton, a famed set designer and art director for television and motion pictures, designed this home in the Hollywood Regency style. — — Map (db m206181) HM
Near Tahquitz Canyon Way at Indian Canyon Drive. Reported missing.
The Kausik Cahuilla are the owners of one of California's most famous hot springs. This natural resource provided them with permanent, palatable mineral waters which
were used for curing, drinking, and agriculture. It also was a direct access to . . . — — Map (db m142125) HM
At 10,834 feet, San Jacinto Peak is the second highest peak in southern California. Its north face rises over the desert floor, creating one of the steepest escarpments in the United States. The peak also helps create a landscape of extremes. Mount . . . — — Map (db m210759) HM
On Palm Canyon Drive (California Route 111), on the right when traveling south.
Completed: 1925
Organic American Modern Architecture
Architect: Frank Lloyd Wright jr. (1890 - 1978)
Developer: Pearl McCallum McManus (1879 - 1966)
A short distance north of this site stands the remaining portions of the Oasis . . . — — Map (db m206207) HM
On N Belardo Rd., on the right when traveling south.
In 1926, philanthropist Thomas O'Donnell (1870-1945) began construction of a private golf course, which he opened to the public in 1932. In 1936 the O'Donnell's commissioned architectural designer William Charles Tanner to design a new home which, . . . — — Map (db m206197) HM
Near Tahquitz Canyon Way at Indian Canyon Drive. Reported missing.
The warm spring here was the site of Se-Khe (Boiling Water), important village of the Kawasic Cahuilla Indians. The Spanish called it Agua Caliente (Hot Water). A stage station of that name operated from 1862 to 1876. As early as 1871 the Indians . . . — — Map (db m142126) HM
On Chino Canyon Road east of Vista Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Dougherty (1877-1947), was recognized for his bold American Impressionistic paintings of coastal landscapes.
Clark's designs often blended materials commonly found in Spanish revival buildings with elements typical of Modern Architectural . . . — — Map (db m206180) HM
On E. Livmor Ave., on the right when traveling east.
Completed 1955
Mid-Century Modern
Wexler & Harrison, Architects
Robert Higgins, Builder / Developer
The Sunmor neighborhood is generally known as an "Alexander" neighborhood, however Bob Higgins developed the first eleven . . . — — Map (db m206195) HM
Earthquake Faults Crisscross this land and shape its restless landscape.
The San Andreas fault cuts along the eastern side of the Coachella Valley. From where you are standing it runs parallel to Interstate 10 toward the base of . . . — — Map (db m212019) HM
Over a century ago, conservationist Aldo Leopold and forester Robert Marshall prompted the Forest Service to consider wilderness preservation as a worthy goal. They argued that wilderness itself was as important a resource as timber, water, or . . . — — Map (db m210760) HM
On Easmor Circle, on the right when traveling north.
The Tie Down or "hardstand' was utilized during World War II when the Palm Springs Army Air Field was used by the Ferrying Division of the Air Transport Command. The principal reason for establishing the base in Palm Springs was to provide a . . . — — Map (db m206194) HM
This is a recreation of the sign guiding visitors to the Tonopah Test Range that was (is) the operational base for the F-117 Nighthawk.
The Tonopah Test Range (TTR, also designated as Area 52) is a restricted military installation . . . — — Map (db m206402) HM
On Tramway Road at Palm Canyon Drive, on the right when traveling west on Tramway Road.
Designed by Albert Frey and Robson Chambers.
Conceived by developer Culver Nichols as
an entry statement to Palm Springs, the roof
is a hyperbolic paraboloid of steel I-beams
and corrugated metal roofing supported by
steel tubular pillars. . . . — — Map (db m131565) HM
Near North Gene Autry Trail (California Route 111) north of Escena Way, on the left when traveling north.
These statues represent African-American pilots from the 332” fighter group that provided protection for allied bombers during missions over Nazi-controlled territory. At the beginning of WWI some were opposed to the idea of African-Americans . . . — — Map (db m206324) WM
On South Palm Canyon Drive (Business California Route 111) at Tahquitz Canyon Way, on the left when traveling south on South Palm Canyon Drive.
In 1938 George Welwood Murray donated this land to provide for a library as a memorial to his father, Welwood Murray, pioneer hotel operator. Cornelia white donated an additional strip of property on the eastern end of the site. The existing . . . — — Map (db m52732) HM
After nearly a century of timber production, parts of the San Jacinto Mountains looked like nothing more than a logging camp. Where tall trees once stood, stumps and wood debris littered the landscape. Livestock grazing also took its toll. John Muir . . . — — Map (db m210763) HM
On West Tahquitz Canyon Way, on the right when traveling west.
Constructed of stucco, concrete, and steel with parts of the foundation resting on boulders, the home features a mountain waterfall and has finishes including mahogany doors, wood floors, wrought iron, and handmade tiles. — — Map (db m218629) HM
