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 link to plaque | SANTA FE AND SALT LAKE TRAIL MONUMENT Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map Erected in 1917 in honor of the brave pioneers of California who traveled the Santa Fe and Salt Lake Trail in 1849 by Sheldon Stoddard, Sydney P. Waite, John Brown, Jr., George Miller, George M. Cooley, Silas C. Cox, Richard Weir, and Jasper N. Corbett. S end Wagon Train Rd, SE corner I-15 (P.M. 21.4) and State Hwy 138, 17 mi N of San Bernardino Note: No traditional plaque, just the big, white monument itself. Also, it will be ridiculously windy. Additional info: | |
 link to plaque | TOWN OF CALICO Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map The Calico Mining District, which had a peak population of 3,000, produced between $13 and $20 million in silver and $9 million in borate minerals between 1881 and 1907. On April 6, 1881, several claims were located that formed the Silver King, largest mine in the district. Profitable mining of silver in the area ceased in 1896. 4 mi NW of I-15 on Ghost Town Rd, Yermo Note: There is as admission charge. The plaque is in the middle of the main street. Additional info: Calico Ghost Town | |
 link to plaque | HARVEY HOUSE Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map In 1893 Fred Harvey, founder and operator of the Santa Fe Harvey Houses, took over the operation of all hotel and restaurants on the Santa Fe line, including the one at Barstow (then Waterman Junction) constructed in 1885. In 1908 this Harvey House burned, and in 1910-13 the present Spanish-Moorish structure designed by architect Mary E. J. Coulter was constructed. It is the best surviving example of California's depot-hotels of the turn of the century. Santa Fe Depot, SW corner of First Ave and Riverside Dr, plaque located at Mojave River Museum, 270 E Virginia Way, Barstow Note: Plaque is actually the Santa Fe Depot, on the south side. There is a museum on site. Additional info: Route 66 Museum | |
 link to plaque | CAMP CADY (ON THE MOJAVE ROAD) Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map Camp Cady was located on the Mojave Road which connected Los Angeles to Albuquerque. Non-Indian travel on this and the nearby Salt Lake Road was beset by Paiutes, Mohaves, and Chemehuevis defending their homeland. To protect both roads, Camp Cady was established by U.S. Dragoons in 1860. The main building was a stout mud redoubt. Improved camp structures were built 1/2 mile west in 1868. After peace was achieved, the military withdrew in 1871. This protection provided by Camp Cady enabled travelers, merchandise, and mail using both roads to boost California's economy and growth. 24 mi N of Barstow take Harvard Rd offramp from I-15, turn rt, go .8 mi to Cherokee Rd, turn left and go 2.5 mi and turn rt at second fence line. At end of dirt rd. Note: The "fence line" directions are tricky. After the left onto Cherokee Rd (which is not paved) keep your eyes peeled for an old fence made of brown posts and barbed wire. Follow it until it ends. There will be an even more unpaved, unmarked road to your right. Take that to a dead end and the plaque is right there. Be very careful of the sandy ground. I got stuck and had to be towed out. And then the tow truck got stuck. Really. Additional info: | |
 link to plaque | THE MOJAVE ROAD Photoset: Flickr Set | Map: Google Map 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 1885. Midway Rest Area, N-bound I-15, 30 mi NE of Barstow Note: You can't miss this plaque, though you might miss the rest stop if you're not paying attention. Make sure you're going northbound on I-15. Additional info: |