Fish Ponds
The Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow (Nebo) encompasses a historical spot called fish ponds which was a stop for many early travelers coming through the area to include the Mormon migration of 1851. upon its location along one of the main roads into Southern California, but in the late 1860s a rival road was put into place, Lafayette Mecham, who operated a station at Fish Ponds. the natural pond in the Mojave River at that point abounded with fish. He raised hay and grain for the travelers, repaired wagons in supplied leather to mend harness. Those desert stations were a predecessor to the general store of the later villages. it took away some of the commerce that made the crossing such desirable real estate.
Mecham's Road from Fish Ponds
The settlement of Lane v Andrews in 1869 freed the upper crossing property for resale, but at that time changes occurred that would affect the value of the ranch, and it was likely Lane had to settle for something less than the price agreed to by Andrews. The value of the property had been dependent, to a great extent, and it took away some of the commerce that made the crossing such desirable real estate.
Heritage of the Mojave River Valley
https://mojavedesert.net/books/mojave-river-valley/04.html
Mojave Road
Stoddard Wells Road
Salt Lake Road
