#0042 San Bernardino Asistencia
Plaque information: State plaque has been reported missing
Plaque text: San Bernardino Asistencia This branch of San Gabriel Mission was constructed about 1830 on the San Bernardino Rancho. During the 1840's its buildings were used by José del Carmen Lugo as part of his rancho grant. Later, after its sale to the Mormons, it was occupied by Bishop Tenney in the 1850's and by Dr. Benjamin Barton in the 1860's. Its restoration was completed in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration, assisted by the San Bernardino County Historical Society. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the San Bernardino County Museum Association, April 24, 1960.
Plaque information: State plaque went missing, has been replaced with stone version
Old plaque text: Spanish missionaries introduced the principle of irrigation in San Bernardino Valley, thus opening the way to settlement. Franciscan fathers engineered, and Indians dug, this first ditch (or 'zanja') in 1819-20. In historical sequence the zanja supported the San Bernardino Asistencia, Rancho San Bernardino, pioneer ranches, orchards and Redlands' domestic water supply. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with Redlands Kiwanis Club, City Park Department, and San Bernardino County Museum Association, 1965. New plaque text: Spanish missionaries introduced the principle of irrigation in San Bernardino Valley, thus opening the way to settlement. Franciscan fathers engineered, and Native Americans dug, this first ditch, or "zanja," in 1819. It supported the San Bernardino Asistencia, the Rancho San Bernardino, then pioneer ranches and orchards and finally Redlands' domestic water supply. The Zanja was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Redlands Area Historical Society, Dedication September 21, 2019 Redlands Conservancy, Redlands Contemporary Club, The Gallaghers
Site information: San Bernardino County Courthouse, Arrowhead Ave and Court St, San Bernardino Nothing remains of this stie, as far as I know. 34.105501, -117.289195
Plaque information: Private plaque
Plaque text: On this site in 1839 was built the first house in San Bernardino, the home of José del Carmen Lugo, one of the grantees of the San Bernardino Rancho. Also on this site in 1851 a stockade of logs was built as a protection against Indians, in it more than a hundred families lived for over a year. Tablet placed by Arrowhead Parlor Native Sons of the Golden West 1927
Site information: Heritage Park, N side of Mission Rd at Van Leuven St, Loma Linda 34.056431,-117.237885
Plaque text: Guachama Rancheria The original Guachama Rancheria plaque, placed in 1932, was stolen in 2008. The plaque was replaced in 2010. The monument was moved 460 feet east to place it in the new Loma Linda Heritage Park. The zanja, which ran under this spot, supplied the water from Mill Creek to the mission estancia. Later, it watered the citrus groves that fueled the local economy. The zanja supplied water here from 1819-1919, when it was replaced with piped water. Placed by the Loma Linda Historical Commission and the Loma Linda Parks and Historical Society 2010
OHP description: Guachama Rancheria, renamed San Bernardino on May 20, 1810 by Francisco Dumetz, became the San Bernardino Rancho of the Mission San Gabriel in 1819. The adobe administration building stood 70 yards north of this spot, an enramada served as the chapel, and a zanja was constructed to bring water from the mountains for irrigation. Control by mission fathers ended in 1834.
Plaque text: Mormon Lumber Road In the spring of 1852, over one hundred Mormon men donated a full thousand man-days of arduous labor, to construct a road up Waterman Canyon, past this spot, and into the prime timber, where some of their enterprising brethren established six sawmills by 1854. The lumber hauled over this road, thereafter, was used, not only to build San Bernardino, but also throughout Southern California, where the boards were sometimes called, "Mormon Banknotes." Glendora, California Chapter, Sons of Utah Pioneers, Dedicated: 1 June 1991
OHP description: When the Mormons came to the San Bernardino valley in 1851 they needed suitable lumber to construct their homes and stockade. To bring in lumber from the mountains they built an 11-mile wagon road that required about a thousand days' labor to complete.
Site information: Agua Mansa Cemetery, 2001 Agua Mansa Rd, Colton The OHP information indicates this landmark commemorates the community of Agua Mansa, which no longer exists, as far as I know. The cemetery does exist, and access to cemetery limited to operating hours. 34.040310,-117.364729
Plaque information: Private plaque Plaque is inside fence but can be seen from outside. 34.040310,-117.364729
Plaque text: Agua Mansa Cemetery This historic site marks the resting place of the pioneers of the Agua Mansa area which was started about 1840. The preservation of this cemetery began in 1951. This plaque placed by Jurupa Parlor N. 296 Native Daughters of the Golden West, June 11, 1961.
OHP description: Don Juan Bandini, owner of the Jurupa Rancho, donated parts of his rancho to a group of New Mexican colonists in 1845 on the understanding that they would aid in repelling Indian raids on his stock. The community was named Agua Mansa-Gentle Water-and was prosperous until 1862, when a great flood suddenly swept down the Santa Ana, carrying away the village of adobe buildings and covering the fields with sand and gravel. The village was rebuilt on higher ground, but never regained its former prosperity.
Plaque information: State plaque
Plaque text: Yorba-Slaughter Adobe This example of early California architecture was built in 1850-53 by Raimundo Yorba. Purchased in 1868 by Fenton Mercer Slaughter, it was preserved as a memorial to him by his daughter, Julia Slaughter Fuqua. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with Ontario Parlor No. 251, Native Daughters of the Golden West, October 2, 1960.
Site information: 8916 Foothill Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 34.107209,-117.610828
Plaque text: In 1839 Governor Juan Alvarado granted the 13,000-acre tract called Cucamonga to Tiburcio Tapia, an ex-soldier who was a prominent merchant and alcalde in Los Angeles. A half mile west of this marker Tapia, employing Indian laborers, immediately built an adobe house on a vantage point on Red Hill. The large adobe was abandoned in 1858 when Tapia's heirs sold the rancho. The adobe soon disintegrated into its native earth. This marker is located on land which once was a part of Tapia's rancho. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with E Clampus Vitus-Billy Holcomb Chapter, Rancho Cucamonga Historical Society, San Bernardino Co. Museum Association, and Thomas Vineyards, June 2, 1985.
Plaque information: Private plaque.
Plaque text: Cucamonga Winery Established by Tiburcio Tapia, to whom the Cucamonga Rancho was granted March 3, 1839, by Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado of Mexico. Dedicated September 9, 1950. Ontario Parlor No. 251 Native Daughters of the Golden West, Los Ranchos Parlor No. 283 Native Sons of the Golden West
Site information: 32183 Kentucky St, Yucaipa Adobe is gated and only accessible during visiting hours. Can be seen from a distance from outside gate. 34.022368,-117.102079
Plaque text: Yucaipa Adobe Constructed in 1842 by Diego Sepúlveda, nephew of Antonio María Lugo, this is believed to be the oldest house in San Bernardino County. The land, formerly controlled by San Gabriel Mission, was part of the Rancho San Bernardino granted to the Lugos in 1842. Later owners included John Brown, Sr., James W. Waters, and the Dunlap family, it was acquired by San Bernardino County in 1955. Plaque placed by California State Park Commission in cooperation with the San Bernardino County Museum Association, November 23, 1958.
Site information: Glen Helen Regional Park, 2555 Glen Helen Parkway, San Bernardino, plaque located at north entrance road Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 34.210447,-117.406206
Plaque text: Sycamore Grove This campsite on both the Mojave Trail over the mountains and the Cajon Pass route was probably first seen by Spanish and American travelers in the 1770's and was noted by them in 1806, 1849, and 1850. Michael White, grantee in 1843 of the Muscupiabe Rancho lived near by. The Mormon colony camped in 1851 on either side of this little pass for about four months while Amasa Lyman, Charles Rich, Jefferson Hunt, David Seely, and Andrew Lytle negotiated the purchase of the San Bernardino Rancho from the Lugo family. Monument placed by San Bernardino Society of California Pioneers in 1927 at a site .08 mile south. Moved and rededicated here at Glen Helen Regional Park by the Society and Lugonia Parlor No. 241, N.D.G.W. July 15, 1972
OHP description: Sycamore Valley ranch, formerly called Sycamore Grove, was first camp of the Mormon pioneers. Captain Jefferson Hunt, Amasa Lyman, Charles C. Rich, David Seely, and Andrew Lytle stopped here in June 1851.
#0576 Santa Fe and Salt Lake Trail Monument
Plaque text: Erected in honor of the brave pioneers of California in 1917 by pioneers Sheldon Stoddard, Sydney P. Waite, John Brown, Jr., George Miller, George M. Cooley, Silas C. Cox, Richard Weir, and Jasper N. Corbett.
Plaque text: In June 1851, 500 Mormon pioneers came through this pass to enter the San Bernardino Valley, where they colonized and established a prosperous community. Erected by the Sons of Mormon Pioneers May 15, 1937.
Site information: Off of Cleghorn Rd on unmarked dirt roads. See GPS coordinates for location. Located on private property, and I have been told that in recent years access is strongly discouraged. 34.303565,-117.466591
Plaque text: Sheldon Stoddard Sydney P. Waite came over this trail 1849. Helped erect this monument 1912. Santa Fe & Salt Lake Trail Erected by Pioneer Society of San Bernardino 1912
OHP description: This monument marks the western extension of the Santa Fe Trail traveled by Sheldon Stoddard and Sydney P. Waite in 1849.
Plaque text: The Daley Road, built by Edward Daley & Company 1870. Erected by Arrowhead Parlor No. 110, N.S.G.W. and Lugonia Parlor 271, N.D.G.W. Dedicated July 4, 1935
OHP description: The Daley Road, built by Edward Daley and Co. in 1870, was one of the first roads into the San Bernardino Mountains that could accommodate wagons. It was a toll road until 1890, when it became a county road. Now a Forest Service fire road, it is not open to the public.
Plaque text: On this spot fort was erected, 1856, during contest over valley lands. Here stood ancient indian village, Jumuba. Headquarters first mission stock farm in valley. Here, 1821, occurred first Christian baptism credited to San Bernardino. Here, 1827, camped Jedediah Strong Smith, first American to enter California overland. Placed by Lugonia Parlor, 241, N.D.G.W. Arrowhead Parlor, 110, N.S.G.W. 1935
OHP description: This is the site of an adobe fortification erected about 1856-57 by the 'Independent' faction in a dispute with the Mormons over a land title. The fort was maintained for about a year. This also is the site of the Indian village of Jumuba, and Jedediah Smith camped here in January 1827.
Site information: On Forest Road 2N49, see GPS coordinates for location High clearance and/or 4-wheel drive vehicle recommended 34.245524,-117.353408
Plaque text: The Mojave Indian Trail Traveled by Francisco Garces March, 1776, and Jedediah S. Smith November, 1826. This tablet was placed by San Bernardino County Historical Society 1931
OHP description: This monument marks an old Indian trail, the Mojave Trail, used by Father Garcés in March 1776 on his trip from Needles to San Gabriel. The same trail was used by Jedediah Smith in 1826 on his first trip through San Bernardino Valley.
Plaque information: State plaque located at Big Bear Valley Historical Society Museum in Big Bear City Park on Green Way Dr. 34.264898,-116.844469 A private plaque is located in the valley itself.
State plaque text: Holcomb Valley Southern California's largest gold rush followed the discovery of rich placer deposits by William F. Holcomb and Ben Choteau on May 4, 1860. Miners rushed to the valley and established boom towns. Belleville, the largest, rivaled San Bernardino in population and almost became the county seat. Violence and hangings were common in this remote valley. Over time, major placer and quartz mining declined although some activity continues today. Originally registered July 26, 1957. Plaque placed by teh State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Billy Holcomb Chapter of E Clampus Vitus. Big Bear Valley Historical Society, and U.S. Forest Service, May 6, 1990. Private plaque text: Bellevill Holcomb Valley. Founded in late 1859 Bellevill was named after Belle Van Dusen, the first child born in Holcomb Valley, she was the daughter of Ted Van Dusen, the town blacksmith and early pioneer. Billy Holcomb Chapter E. Campus Vitus Oct. 1979
Plaque text: Yucaipa Rancheria Yucaipa Valley supported a large population of Serrano Indians. The fertile valley was watered by springs and creeks. The Indians called this area 'Yucaipat' which meant 'wet lands.' These Native Americans lived at this village site most of the year, with occasional excursions to the mountains to gather acorns and other food items during the harvesting season. Originally registered September 11, 1957. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with San Bernardino County Museum, Yucaipa Lions Club, Yucaipa Valley Historical Society and Billy Holcomb Chapter of E Clampus Vitus, July 24, 1987.
Plaque text: Harry Wade Exit Route Some 100 wagons found themselves in Salt Lake City too late to cross the Sierra Nevada. They banded together under the name of Sand Walking Co. and started for the gold fields in California over the old Spanish Trail. After being in Death Valley with the ill-fated 1849 caravan, Harry Wade found this exit route for his ox-drawn wagon, thereby saving his life and those of his wife and children. At this point the Wade party came upon the known Spanish trail to Cajon Pass. Originally registered October 9, 1957. Plaque provided by the descendants of Harry Wade. Dedicated by Death Valley '49ers in cooperation with the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and California State Park Commission, November 8, 1967. new plaque provided and dedicated by the ancient and honorable order of E Clampus Vitus, November 13, 1999.
OHP description: After getting to Death Valley with the ill-fated 1849 caravan, Harry Wade found this exit route for his ox-drawn wagon and thereby saved his life and the lives of his wife and children. At this point the Wade party came upon the known Spanish Trail to Cajón Pass.
Site information: W edge of Big Bear Lake, intersection of State Hwys 18 and 38, 4.8 mi W of Big Bear Lake Village 34.242037,-116.976020
Plaque text: Old Bear Valley Dam In 1884 Frank Brown built an unusual dam here to supply irrigation water for the Redlands area. The single-arch granite dam formed Big Bear Lake, then the world's largest man-made lake. Engineers claimed the dam would not hold, and declared it "The Eighth Wonder of the World" when it did. The old dam is usually underwater because of the 20-foot higher dam built 200 feet west in 1912. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Billy Holcomb Chapter of E Clampus Vitus, U.S. Forest Service, San Bernardino County Museum, and Big Bear Valley Historical Society. October 10, 1982.
Site information: On State Hwy 18 (P.M. 76.9) at Rabbit Springs Rd, 3.2 mi W of Lucerne Valley I believe the actual rock referred to is at this location: 34.468702, -117.016299 But the site commemorates the battle, not the rock itself, and as far as I know nothing remains of the battle site.
State plaque text: Chimney Rock Conflicts between Indians and white settlers over the rich lands of the San Bernardino Mountains culminated in the battle at Chimney Rock on February 16, 1867. Although the Indians defended themselves fiercely, they were forced to retreat into the desert. In the years following, the Indians' traditional mountain food gathering areas were lost to white encroachment. Originally registered June 6, 1960. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Billy Holcomb Chapter of E Clampus Vitus, Lucerne Valley Museum Association, and Lucerne Valley Chamber of Commerce, May 4, 1986. Private plaque text: The last Indian fight in Southern California In January 1867 Indians left their camp east of Chimney Rock to go into the San Bernardino Mountains where they looted and burned several cabins and a sawmill. In retaliation, a posse surprised the Indians at their camp and killed and wounded many, thus ending hostilities.
#0774 Searles Lake Borax Discovery
Plaque text: Searles Lake Borax Discovery Borax was discovered on the nearby surface of Searles Lake by John Searles in 1862. With his brother Dennis, he formed the San Bernardino Borax Mining Company in 1873 and operated it until 1897. The chemicals in Searles Lake, which included borax, potash, soda ash, salt cake, and lithium, were deposited here by the runoff waters from melting ice age glaciers. John Searles' discovery has proved to be the world's richest chemical storehouse, containing half the natural elements known to man. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Death Valley 49ers, the American Potash & Chemical Corp. and the West End Chemical Division of Stauffer Chemical Corp. November 8, 1962.
#0781 National Old Trails Monument
Site information: On shoulder of SW corner of Colorado River Bridge, North K St, Needles 34.850967,-114.609699
Plaque text: National Old Trails This bridge marks the site where the National Old Trails Highway, later Highway 66, crossed the Colorado River. It links the Mojave Indian lands visited by Father Garces in 1776. Near this location the American explorer, Jedediah Smith and his band of Rocky Mountain men, crossed the river in 1826 and opened the pioneer trail into southern California. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, City of Needles, County of San Bernardino, and Arizona County of Mohave, June 17, 1978.
OHP description: An old Indian trail, still visible in some places, ran roughly parallel to the Colorado River on the California side. This is the route followed by Garcés and his Mojave guides in 1776 and by Jedediah Smith in 1826.
Site information: End of Ghost Town Rd, Yermo The site and plaque are private and require a fee to enter 34.948821,-116.865166
Plaque text: Town of Calico Centered about the "Town of Calico", the Calico Mining District, with a peak population of 3,000, produced $13-20 million in silver and $9 million in borate minerals between 1881-1907. On April 6, 1881, several claims were located which formed the largest mine in the district, the Silver King. Profitable mining of silver ceased in 1896. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with San Bernardino County, Regional Parks Department. May 12, 1973
#0859 Von Schmidt State Boundary Monument
Plaque text: Von Schmidt State Boundary Monument This boundary monument, a cast iron column erected in 1873, marks the southern terminus of the California-Nevada State boundary established by A. W. Von Schmidt's 1872-73 survey. Von Schmidt's line, the first officially recognized oblique state line between California and Nevada, erred slightly, the boundary was later corrected to the present line, 3/4 mile to the north. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Needles Chapter, San Bernardino County Museum Association, and the California, Arizona and Nevada Development Association-Can-Do. November 29, 1974
Plaque text: Barstow Harvey House Harvey Houses were legendary in the history of Western rail travel. Operated by Fred harvey in conjunction with the Santa Fe Railway, the network of restaurant-hotels set a new standard in quality meal service. Barstow's Spanish-Moorish "Casa Del Desierto" opened in 1911 and closed in 1971. It was registered as one of the last and finest remaining examples of the west's famous Harvey Houses. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Billy Holcomb Chapter of E Clampus Vitus, Mojave River Valley Museum, San Bernardino County Museum, and Fred Harvey Inc., May 1, 1983.
OHP description: 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.
#0939 Twentieth Century Folk Art Environments - Hula Ville (Site of)
Site information: On Amargosa Rd, 2.0 mi W of I-15 and Phelan Rd, 6 mi NW of Hesperia The location from the OHP above doesn't make a lot of sense, as those roads don't really cross, and Amargosa is a frontage road to the 15, so 2 mi W isn't accurate. In any case, the site no longer exists. The photo is my best guess as to where it might have been located, without doing more research into this.
Plaque information: No plaque
OHP description: Miles Mahan began building Hula Ville in 1955 after retiring as a 'carny,' or carnival worker. Over the years, he put his statues and poems together in the desert, on Interstate 15 near Hesperia. Demolished 9/97
#0939 Twentieth Century Folk Art Environments - Possum Trot
Site information: Ghost Town Rd, 1.5 mi N of I-15, 4 mi NW of Yermo The location info here is from the OHP, and is quite vague. As far as I know, there is nothing left of this site, and the location was somwhere on this road, but I am not sure of the exact lot. ~34.928588,-116.886624
OHP description: Calvin and Ruby Black began building Possum Trot in 1954 as an attraction for their rock shop as well as an artistic expression. Calvin carved the dolls, each representing someone important in his life, and Ruby made clothes for them. The animated displays were designed to entertain visitors.
#0942 Site of the Rancho Chino Adobe of Isaac Williams
Site information: 4040 Eucalyptus Ave, Chino Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 33.989961,-117.717698
Plaque text: Rancho Chino Adobe Site Near this site, Isaac Williams in 1841 built a large adobe home, located on the 22,000-acre Rancho Chino which he acquired from his father-in-law Antonio Lugo. The 'Battle of Chino' occurred at the adobe on September 26-27, 1846, during which 24 Americans were captured by a group of about 50 Californios. Located on the Southern Immigrant Trail to California, the adobe later became an inn and stage stop famous for its hospitality. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Chino Valley Historical Society, Billy Holcomb Chapter of E Clampus Vitus, and San Bernardino County Museum, June 5, 1982.
#0950 United States Rabbit Experimental Station
Plaque text: Site of U.S. Rabbit Experimental Station In March 1928, the Federal Government established the first and only experimental station in the United States devoted solely to research on the breeding and raising of rabbits on a five-acre property donated by A. B. Miller of Fontana. The station successfully pioneered new techniques of rabbit care and breeding. In 1965, the City of Fontana acquired the property for use as a senior citizens facility. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Fontana Historical Society, City of Fontana, and Billy Holcomb Chapter ECV, June 3, 1984.
Plaque text: Mojave Road 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. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Billy Holcomb Chapter of E Clampus Vitus, Bureau of Land Management and Mojave River Valley Museum Association. October 9, 1988. Plaque addendum: 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
#0963-1 Camp Cady (on the Mojave Road)
Site information: Take Harvard Rd offramp from I-15 and go south for .7 miles, turn left on Cherokee Rd and go 2.6 mi, turn right on dirt road and go about .6 mi to end of road. Use caution, as the roads are sandy and may be difficult to drive. Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 34.945034,-116.599203
Plaque text: Camp Cady (1860-1871) 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. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Billy Holcomb Chapter No. 1069, E Clampus Vitus, State Department of Fish and Game, Mojave River Valley Museum, and Daggett Historical Society, Inc. May 1, 1994.
Site information: Site can be seen from plaque location described below, but is located in the mountains and is not accessible. 34.195370,-117.259242
Plaque information: Private plaque near entrance to Wildwood Park, on Waterman Ave, .3 mi N of 40th St, San Bernardino 34.168677,-117.278205
Plaque text: The Arrowhead measures 1375 feet long, 449 feet wide and is an area of 7.5 acres. Located on the hills above San Bernardino, the arrowhead has been an important landmark for centuries. It is believed to be a natural feature but its true origin is unknown. The distinctive arrowhead shape is visible because the white sage, which grows inside the Arrowhead, contrasts sharply with the darker chaparral vegetation outside. Many fires have burned the landmark resulting in gully erosion. Check dams have been constructed in an effort to slow down the erosion process and help protect and preserve the Arrowhead outline. Bushes were planted on the outline for this same reason. Friends of the Arrowhead, Inc.
OHP description: Located in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains directly above the City of San Bernardino, the arrowhead landmark can be seen for miles around. This important landmark has for centuries been a symbol of the San Bernardino Valley to the Native Indians and then to the pioneers and settlers that followed. It is believed to be a natural landmark. The face of the arrowhead consists of light quartz, supporting a growth of short white sage. This lighter vegetation shows in sharp contrast to the surrounding chaparral and greasewood. Indians who inhabited the San Bernardino Valley believed that the arrowhead pointed the way to the hot mineral springs below, with healing qualities, and thus considered it holy ground. Through the years, numerous forest fires have caused some erosion. But the arrowhead landmark continues to preserve its uniqueness and remains a symbol of the 'pioneer spirit' of the San Bernardino Valley.
#0985 Desert Training Center, California-Arizona Maneuver Area - Camp Clipper
Plaque text: Camp Clipper was established at a site that reached from Essex Road to this location in the Spring of 1942. It was one of twelve such camps built in the southwestern deserts to harden and train United States troops for service on the battlefields of World War II. The Desert Training Center was a simulated theater of operations that included portions of California, Arizona, and Nevada. The other camps were Young, Coxcomb, Iron Mountain, Ibis, Granite, Pilot Knob, Laguna, Horn, Ryder, Bouse and Rice. A total of 13 infantry divisions and 7 armored divisions plus numerous smaller units were trained in this harsh environment. The Training Center was in operation for almost two years and was closed early in 1944 when the last units were shipped overseas. During the brief period of operation over one million American soldiers were trained for combat. The 33rd and 93rd Infantry Divisions were trained here. This monument is dedicated to all the soldiers that served here, and especially for those who gave their lives in battle, ending the Holocaust and defeating the armed forces of Nazi Germany, fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan. Plaque placed by the Billy Holcomb Chapter of the ancient and honorable order of E Clampus Vitus, Cal-Trans, Essex Maintenance Station and in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, Needles Resource Area. October 13th, 1991.
#0985 Desert Training Center, California-Arizona Maneuver Area - Camp Ibis
Plaque text: Camp Ibis was established at this site in the Spring of 1942-one of eleven such camps built in the California-Arizona Desert to harden and train United States Troops for service on the battlefields of World War II. The 440th AAA AW Battalion was activated per General Order No. 1 at Camp Haan, CA on July 1, 1942. It trained at Camp M.A.A.R. (Irwin), Camps Young, Iron Mountain, Ibis, and then Camps Pickett, VA and Steward, GA. The battalion shipped out to England in December 1943 and landed in Normandy on D-3. The unit earned 5 Battle Stars and 2 Foreign Awards while serving with the 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 9th U.S. Armies, the 1st French Army and the 2nd British Army, 7 different corps and 5 different divisions. The 440th AAA AW BN was deactivated in December 1945. Plaque placed by the Billy Holcomb & John P. Squibob Chapters of E Clampus Vitus with the Veterans of the 440th AAA AW Battalion in Cooperation with Bureau of Land Management, Needles Resource Area. May 1, 1987
#0985 Desert Training Center, California-Arizona Maneuver Area - Camp Iron Mountain
Plaque text: Iron Mountain Divisional Camp was established at this site in the Spring of 1942. One of eleven such camps built in the California-Arizona Desert to harden and train United States troops for service on the battlefields of World War II. The first major unit trained here was the 3rd Armored Division followed by elements of the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Armored Divisions. In all, one million men trained in the desert before the Training Center was officially closed in May of 1944. The most unique feature built at this camp is the huge relief map built into the desert floor. It can still be seen. This monument is dedicated to the men and women who served here. This monument placed by Billy Holcomb Chapter of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, Needles Resource Area. October 13, 1985. Rededicated in 2014.
#0994 A.K. Smiley Public Library
Plaque text: A.K. Smiley Public Library Albert K. Smiley, a leader of the city's library movement, donated this building and park to the citizens of Redlands in 1898. Through his generosity, Redlands was given one of California's few privately funded libraries of that era. In 1906, he also contributed a wing, built to blend with the original design for this outstanding Mission Revival library. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Smiley Library Trustees, Friends of the Library, and the Redlands Area Historical Society, July 30, 1991.
Site information: 1325 Prospect Dr, Redlands Site is privately owned and access is restricted to operating hours. 34.037481,-117.173475
Plaque information: State plaque located a bit down the hill at the parking area, also restricted. 34.038348,-117.173701
Plaque text: Kimberly Crest Mary Kimberly Shirk, an advocate for women's education and acting president of Scripp's College during World War II, made a gift of her home, Kimberly Crest, to the people of Redlands. The house, an excellent example of Chateauesque architecture designed by the firm of Dennis and Farwell, was constructed in 1897. Mrs. Shirk's parents purchased it in 1905, adding the magnificent Italian style gardens, designed by Parkinson and Bergstrom, in 1909. Mrs. Shirk's father, J. Alfred Kimberly, was a founder of the Kimberly-Clark Paper Company. Her mother, Helen Cheney Kimberly, was a strong supporter of the woman's club movement. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Kimberly-Shirk Association and the Redlands Area Historical Society, April 19, 1997.
OHP description: Kimberly Crest, constructed in 1897, is an excellent example of Chateauesque architecture. Near the residence is a Chateauesque-style carriage house. Terraced Italian gardens designed in 1908 stretch almost a thousand yards from the entrance of the residence down to the entrance of the grounds.
Site information: Intersection of North Euclid Avenue and E Foothill Blvd, Upland 34.107247,-117.651199
Plaque text: Madonna of the Trail NSDAR memorial to the pioneer mothers of the covered wagon days. This trail, trod by the padres in Spanish days, became under Mexican rule, the road connecting San Bernardino and Los Angeles, later the American post road. Over this trail November 1826 Jedediah Smith seeking a river flowing westward, led a band of sixteen trappers, the first Americans to enter California over land.
OHP description: Dedicated in 1929, the Madonna of the Trail is one of twelve identical statues placed in twelve states by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The statues, differentiated by the inscriptions on their bases, commemorate the westward move of American civilization on a series of trails, which eventually linked the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific. They especially pay tribute to the importance of a national highway and the role of pioneer women. The statue was designed by German-born architectural sculptor August Leimbach and inspired by a statue of Sacagawea in Portland, Oregon. The Upland monument is said to represent four historic trails: the Mojave Trail, the de Anza Trail, the Emigrant Trail, and the Canyon Road.