The Open Spaces . . .

Those were the days of open-handed hospitality on the Mexican ranches. No introduction was necessary. People came and went on horseback, hung their saddles on pegs and their hats on the floor, and stayed as long as they liked.

Everywhere I stopped I was welcomed. The owner came in from the fields, knocked off work for the day, produced tequila, coffee, cigarettes, and sat down under the porch for a talk. The coffee- pot and bean-pot were always over the fire and in constant requisition. There was no great variety of food at the table, but the meats and vegetables were tastily cooked, and, if there were young girls in the family, there was singing, to the accompaniment of the guitar, during and after the dinner. When it came to retiring for the night, one simply dragged out a rawhide or canvas cot to whatever part of the premises he pleased, spread his blankets, and went to sleep listening to the dogs chasing coyotes.

The hospitality was very simple, whole-hearted, and very gratefully received because of its fine spirit.

John C. Van Dyke

Newberry Springs

Newberry Springs, California, is a small but historically notable town some 20 miles east-southeast of Barstow along the iconic Route 66. Its history is tied to the spread of the railroad, the journey of early migrants, and the precious water resources of the Mojave Desert.

The region initially became well-known when the Southern Pacific Railroad laid railway tracks through the area in 1883. The Watson post office was established at the point of railroad work on February 19 that year and was named for the initial postmaster, Josiah Watson. The post office did not last long, however, closing by July of the same year. The railway, in the meantime, had named its stop Newberry; so when the Watson post office was discontinued, this name de facto became the community’s accepted name. Throughout the years, the region underwent several renaming: in 1899, the post office briefly reopened as Newberry before it was closed afterward; in 1911, it was renamed Wagner in tribute to local resident and grocer Madge Wagner; and in 1919, it was once more renamed as Water, highlighting the great volumes of water—estimates are placed somewhere between 300,000 to 600,000 gallons daily—pumped out of the region for use by the Santa Fe Railroad. Later, in 1967, the name was formally altered to Newberry Springs.

The derivation of “Newberry” is contested. In a local myth, two Newberry brothers lived near the springs, one of whom died in a conflict over water rights. However, a more historically grounded theory suggests the area was named after Dr. J.S. Newberry, a physician on the 1857 expedition of Lt. Joseph C. Ives. Regardless of its actual origins, the name has remained, cementing Newberry Springs’ place in Mojave Desert history.

Newberry Springs has historically been appreciated for its reliable springs, which were important water sources for the early wagon trains and eventually the Santa Fe Railroad. Beyond its transport and water supply historical significance, Newberry Springs has also become well known for artificial ponds, utilized by sporting enthusiasts recreationally, and agricultural promise. The fertile ground in the area makes possible the growing of crops, fruit trees, and cattle ranching, demonstrating versatility beyond its previous transport role.

Another recognizable landmark in Newberry Springs is the Cliff House, situated on the historic Route 66. Though information on the Cliff House is scarce, it serves as a representation of the town’s significance at the peak of American automobile travel. Route 66, nicknamed the “Mother Road,” simplified travel from the Midwest to the West Coast, and Newberry Springs still has vestiges of the period. Vintage motels, service stations, and restaurants still dot the landscape, providing travelers with a glimpse of the roadside culture of the mid-20th century.

Along with its historical significance in transportation and farming, Newberry Springs also holds important archaeological significance. The nearby Newberry Cave is a prominent prehistoric site, containing carefully preserved rock art and artifacts that provide insightful knowledge about the area’s early inhabitants. Additionally, the natural features of the area, including volcanic formations and Troy Lake, contribute to its geological and ecological value.

Newberry Springs is a community that has been defined significantly by its history, geography, and the perpetual issue of water scarcity in the Mojave Desert. Evolving as a railroad stop and developing through the heyday of Route 66 and subsequent developments, this desert town is a fascinating piece of California’s extensive and rich history.

Newberry Springs

Tandem Website Configurations

Mojave Desert Net & Digital-Desert.com

Walter Feller, a retired engineering technician, has spent the past 30 years developing and expanding Digital-Desert.com and MojaveDesert.Net, two extensive resources dedicated to the history, geography, and natural beauty of the Mojave Desert. His work combines research, photography, and storytelling to document the region’s landscapes, historic sites, and ecological significance.

His dedication to preserving and sharing knowledge about the Mojave Desert through these platforms has made him a key figure in desert history documentation.

Introduction

The Mojave Desert is a sprawling, rugged terrain full of history, unusual geology, and varied ecosystems. Two valuable online resources, **MojaveDesert.net** and **Digital-Desert.com**, offer an extensive overview of this interesting region. With coverage ranging from national parks and wilderness areas to ghost towns, historic trails, and natural landmarks, the websites offer detailed guides for adventurers, historians, and nature lovers alike. Suppose you’re interested in desert wildlife and plants, mining history, native cultures, or points of interest. In that case, these websites provide detailed information, interactive maps, and beautiful photographs to make the Mojave tales come alive.

MojaveDesert.net is a comprehensive resource dedicated to the Mojave Desert, offering a variety of information about its geography, history, ecology, and more. The directory tree in the following is not complete but demonstrates While I don’t have access to a complete directory tree of the website, I can provide an overview of its main sections based on available information:

  • Home: Introduction to the Mojave Desert, featuring highlights and recent updates.
  • Geography: Details about the desert’s location, topography, and significant landmarks.
  • Flora and Fauna: Information on the plant and animal species native to the Mojave Desert.
  • History: Insights into the cultural and historical aspects of the region, including indigenous cultures, exploration, and settlement.
  • Ecology: Discussions on the desert’s ecosystems, climate, and environmental concerns.
  • Recreation: Guides and tips for activities such as hiking, camping, and sightseeing in the Mojave Desert.
  • Photo Gallery: A collection of images showcasing the desert’s landscapes, wildlife, and points of interest.
  • Resources: Additional materials like maps, articles, and external links for further exploration.

For a more detailed exploration of the website’s content, I recommend visiting MojaveDesert.net directly.

MojaveDesert.net is a resource covering the Mojave Desert’s geography, history, ecology, flora, fauna, and recreation. It includes sections on landmarks, indigenous cultures, exploration, environmental concerns, hiking, and photography. The site also offers maps, articles, and external resources.

Digital-Desert.COM

Digital-Desert.com is a comprehensive resource dedicated to the Mojave Desert, offering detailed information across various topics:

  • Nature: Explores the desert’s ecology, including its wildlife, plant life, geology, and climate.
  • Parks & Forests: Provides insights into national parks like Death Valley and Joshua Tree, as well as lesser-known state and county parks.
  • Wilderness Areas: Highlights regions preserved in their natural state, free from human impact.
  • Geology & Natural Formations: Discusses the majestic formations and mountain ranges found throughout the Mojave Desert.
  • Points of Interest: Features notable destinations and attractions within the desert.
  • Regional Map Guide: Offers an interactive map for navigating the Mojave Desert.
  • People & History: Delves into the histories of various groups and cultures associated with the Mojave, including influential figures and native cultures.
  • Roads and Trails: Covers historical and contemporary routes, as well as hiking trails and backroads.
  • Ghost Towns & Gold Mines: Examines abandoned communities and the mining history that once thrived in the region.
  • Communities: Profiles current towns and cities within the Mojave Desert.

The website also features sections on the Mojave River, historic roads and trails, craters and lava flows, petroglyphs, dunes, and dry lakes (playas). Additional resources include a blog, weather information, and a glossary.

digital-desert.com

For a more in-depth exploration, visit Digital-Desert.com.

summary

Digital-Desert.com is a comprehensive resource on the Mojave Desert, covering its nature, geology, history, and points of interest. It includes information on national parks, wilderness areas, ghost towns, gold mines, roads, trails, and regional communities. The site also features interactive maps, historical accounts, and details on wildlife, plant life, and natural formations.

description of these two websites combined

Conclusion

MojaveDesert.net and Digital-Desert.com are two extensive online resources dedicated to exploring the Mojave Desert’s rich history, geography, ecology, and cultural significance. Together, they provide a comprehensive look at the region’s national parks, wilderness areas, ghost towns, historic roads, and geological formations. These sites offer in-depth information on the desert’s plant and animal life, environmental concerns, indigenous cultures, mining history, and notable landmarks. Visitors can also find interactive maps, hiking guides, and photography collections that highlight the beauty and complexity of the Mojave Desert.