Category: Articles

The Mojave Desert is rich and varied in its history. Its past teaches us how occurrences that happened in a place help us to understand connections between people, places, and larger historical trends. The distinctive lands, settings, and natural resources of the Mojave influenced the way people lived there and generated narratives that are still linked to this place.

https://mojavedesert.net/history/regional/

Local History and Family Background in the Mojave Desert Local history and family history are frequently intertwined in the Mojave Desert. The communities that were settled here early, from mining boomtowns to railroad towns, were frequently documented by the families of the first people who came here, pioneers, prospectors, ranchers, and homesteaders. These histories preserve knowledge about the first settlers, their failures and successes at carving out a life in a brutal landscape. They also depict segments of the lives of Native American people, such as the Mojave, Chemehuevi, and Serrano Indians, who inhabited the region many years before the European settlers arrived.

These histories are a goldmine for genealogists. They provide in-depth information about the families who resided and worked in the Mojave and the economic and social circumstances they encountered. Church records, school rolls, and local newspapers show how families expanded, businesses flourished or collapsed, and communities changed.

Local History Beyond Genealogy

The local histories of the Mojave have much more than dates and names; they paint a distinct picture of desert life: Food and Cooking Habits: The early residents adapted their cuisine to the harsh desert environment, making use of indigenous plants such as mesquite and yucca, animals, and crops resistant to drought. These habits depict the resourcefulness and skills of the individuals living there.

Mining and Economic Development:

Mojave’s history is directly related to mining. It began with the 1800s gold rush and continued with borax mining. Rhyolite, Calico, and Boron towns came and went depending on the success of their mines, leaving behind ghost towns and abandoned industrial infrastructure. Transportation and Railroads: The Mojave was also significant in the development of railroads and highways for transportation, being a point where individuals traveling west intersected. The Southern Pacific, Santa Fe, and Union Pacific railroads revolutionized the desert landscape and linked its cities to the economy. Cultural Arts and Traditions: The desert’s remoteness spawned distinctive art forms, including music and legends of Native American tribes and creations of modern artists inspired by the Mojave’s minimalist beauty.

Joshua Tree has emerged as a cultural center for musicians and artists. Consequences of National Events: National events impacted the Mojave in different ways through wars, economic recessions, and periods of national expansion. World War II, for instance, resulted in the creation of military bases in the region, such as the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, that reshaped local populations and economies.

Broader Consequences of Local Political Culture

The Mojave’s local histories show how its political culture shaped wider trends. Such issues as land use, water rights, and conservation in the Mojave Desert are good lessons about how far local decisions can have huge implications. The fight over resources such as the Colorado River and controversy over public lands show why one should study local conditions in relation to national and international issues.

Briefly stated, local and regional histories of the Mojave Desert are more than a collection of ancient myths; they are a window into the diverse forces-geographic, economic, cultural, and political-that have shaped this legendary place. Through the lens of local history, we can see how seemingly remote desert places are connected to larger patterns of human history and experience.

Summary

The Mojave Desert’s local history offers insights into its unique culture, economy, and environment. It intertwines genealogy with stories of settlers, miners, and Native American communities. Local accounts highlight foodways, mining, railroads, and artistic traditions shaped by the desert’s geography. Broader events, like wars and economic shifts, impacted the region in distinctive ways. Political battles over water and land use reveal its national significance. These histories illuminate the Mojave’s enduring connection to human resilience and adaptation.

Desert Crossroads Kramer and Kramer Junction don’t look grand today, but these little nooks in the Mojave Desert have a rich and grand history replete with grand aspirations, tiring battles, and a whole lot of determination. Mining booms, railroads, and highways have scripted the life of the desert, and these little nooks have seen them all through.

How It All Started

The Southern Pacific Railroad in 1882 named Kramer in honor of German immigrant Moritz Kramer, who had settled in the area a little a few years earlier. Initially, Kramer was a single siding with nothing happening. All changed in 1884, when copper was discovered in the vicinity, and then in 1884, gold was discovered by J.R. Maxey.

Prospectors flocked to the area, and in hope of striking it rich, and in late 1884, the Kramer Mining District organized formally. Miners in the mining camp lived a rough life. There were no hotels and no permanent buildings, and visitors were instructed to bring a blanket with them. Thankfully, soon, the thrill wore off.

High shipping costs and a scarcity of water saw mining become too arduous, and most miners scattered in 1885, taking most of them with them.

The Mining Boom in Kramer Hills

A mere four miles southeast of Kramer Junction stands the Kramer Hills, and it saw its mining boom too. In 1926, two Herkelrath brothers, Ed and John, discovered gold, and a mining boom of epic dimensions defined the region ever since. A small mining settlement grew with a store, a library, and several hundred mining claims. Everyone flocked to try their luck. But just as then, realities of the desert won out. The gold was of poor grade, and water remained in short supply. By 1931, the boom collapsed, and the village lay dormant.

Today, quiet sits over the Kramer Hills, but they recall a time when humans hoped for gold’s promise. Kramer Junction: Where Highways Cross Kramer Junction, also known as “Four Corners,” sits at the crowded intersection of U.S. Route 395 and Route 58. It became a stop for travelers and for trucks rumbling through the desert. Roadside restaurants, service stops, and shops popped up to serve through-trekkers. There even was a Beecher-operated restaurant and a dream of having the site renamed “Beechers Corner,” but in 1960, city leaders chose to stick with “Kramer Junction.” Though most pass through, a gateway to larger destinations is Kramer Junction. North will take you to Ridgecrest and Bishop. South will take through Victorville and down Cajon Pass. To head west, go to Boron, Mojave, and Tehachapi, and east to Barstow and beyond.

From a Stormy History to a Role Today

Kramer Junction over the years has become safer and easier for visitors to access. In 2020, a new development down an expressway ironed out traffic and upgraded security. This highway system is a big one for shipping goods through California and the country. It’s a big one for Central Valley farms, producing a big portion of America’s produce.

A Spot with a History

Kramer and Kramer Junction don’t look like much today, but they’ve seen gold rushes, railroad expansion, and high-speed highways. What transpired in these locations is a history of people arriving in the desert with big dreams and working tirelessly to carve out something out of nothing. Today, these places remind us that in even the most subdued corners, there can be incredible tales that altered the surrounding world. Next time driving through, don’t forget to pay your respects to the people who inhabited this dusty crossroads at one point in time.

In 1604, a Spanish explorer, Juan de Oñate, embarked on an epic journey to explore America’s western region, present-day America, in modern terms. On his journey, he became the first European to encounter the Native Americans, specifically the Mohave Indians, who lived near the Colorado River in the Mojave Desert, a region that we use today.

The sole purpose of Oñate’s journey was discovering a path to the “Sea of the South,” nowadays’ Pacific Ocean. He hoped that it could lead to new trading avenues and routes. Even though he failed to discover the ocean, much about the Mohave tribe, he discovered. The Mohave were seasoned farmers who cultivated such crops such as squash, beans, and corn in and around the river, and they played a key role in trading between disparate Southwest Native American communities. The beginning of encounters between Europeans and Native Americans, initiated with, saw numerous future encounters between them, with some peaceful, but many encountering obstacles and rivalry as well.

For the Mohave, it was only the beginning of drastic changes that started with even more Europeans arriving in years to come.

1600s

• 1604: Juan de Oñate becomes the first European to meet the Mohave Indians while searching for the “Southern Sea.”

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1700s

• 1772: The first white men to see the San Bernardino Mountains are deserting Spanish soldiers from the San Diego Mission, pursued by Captain Pedro Fages. Fages leads an expedition along the Mojave’s edge, searching for deserters.
• 1774: Juan Bautista de Anza’s expedition becomes the first encounter between Europeans and the Cahuilla while searching for a trade route between Sonora, Mexico, and Monterey, California.
  • The Cahuilla, living far inland, had little contact with Spanish soldiers or priests, as the Spanish viewed the desert as barren and undesirable. They learned about mission life from nearby tribes near Mission San Gabriel and San Diego.
• 1776: Spanish explorers travel through southern Nevada. Friar Francisco Garcés becomes the first Caucasian to cross the desert.
• 1781: Yumas close the land route to white settlers.

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1800s

• 1810 (May 20): Padre Francisco Dumetz names San Bernardino Valley on the feast day of St. Bernardine of Siena. Politana, a mission chapel and supply station, is established.
• 1811: The Cahuilla, along with the Serrano, Gabrielino, and Yuma tribes, revolt against the missions.
• 1812: Repeated earthquakes shake the region, leading to an Indian uprising. Politana is destroyed by Serrano Indians.
• 1819: Fr. Joaquin Pasqual Nuñez joins a punitive expedition against the Mojave (Amajaba) Indians. Several asistencias are also established nearby.
• 1826: Jedediah Smith explores a route across the Mojave from the Colorado River to San Bernardino.
• 1827: Jedediah Smith returns to the Mojave villages but is attacked by the Mojave; ten of his men are killed.
• 1829: Antonio Armijo and 60 men travel from Abiquiú, New Mexico, to California, establishing the Old Spanish Trail route and arriving in San Gabriel in January 1830.
  • San Bernardino Asistencia, a permanent outpost of Mission San Gabriel, is constructed.
  • Rafael Rivera becomes the first European to explore Las Vegas Valley.
• 1830: George Yount and William Wolfskill, with 20 men, arrive in California via the Mojave after a harsh journey.
• 1831: New Mexican traders, including Antonio Santi-Estevan and others, bring wool to California, trading it for horses and livestock.
• 1832: Friar Cabot of Mission San Miguel reports increased trade and theft of horses by New Mexicans.
• 1833: Juan de Jesus Villalpando leads an expedition to California; José Avieta and 125 men arrive in Los Angeles with serapes for trade.
• 1834: Mission secularization begins, redistributing lands and herds. José Avieta and his men continue to trade and steal livestock.
• 1837: Jean Baptiste Chalifoux leads a party of 30 men to California, stealing 1,400–1,500 animals. José María Chávez flees New Mexico after a rebellion and settles in California.
• 1838: Lorenzo Trujillo and others from New Mexico become the first settlers in San Bernardino.
• 1839: José Antonio Salazar leads an expedition, returning to New Mexico with 2,500 animals.
• 1840: New Mexicans, including Tomás Salazar, continue trading and stealing livestock from California.
• 1841: The Rowland-Workman party, including immigrants, travels to California.
• 1842: Juan Antonio, leader of the Cahuilla Mountain Band, grants traveler Daniel Sexton access to areas near the San Gorgonio Pass.
• 1845: Chief Juan Antonio supports Mexican forces, attacking the Luiseño at Temecula, killing 33 to 100 people.
  • The Mountain Band also supports Lieutenant Edward Fitzgerald Beale’s U.S. Army expedition, defending it against Ute warrior Walkara and his band.
• 1846: The Mexican-American War begins. Miles Goodyear uses the Old Spanish Trail to trade hides.
• 1847: Kit Carson and Lt. George Brewerton use the trail to deliver messages during the war.
• 1848: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the war. Miles Goodyear drives 4,000 horses from California to Utah.
• 1849:
• The Bennett-Arcan party, while searching for gold, becomes stranded in Death Valley.
• On November 4, William Manly and John Rogers leave Death Valley to find help for the stranded party.
• The Lost 49ers, a portion of the Hunt Wagon Party, are the first Caucasians to cross Death Valley.
• Gold-seekers increasingly traverse the Mojave Desert, paving the way for trails that would become significant transportation routes.
• 1850: The Cahuilla revolt alongside the Yuma and Cocopa tribes at the Cupeño village in opposition to property taxes.
  • The California Gold Rush brings pressures from miners, ranchers, and settlers. Conflicts arise with the neighboring Cupeño tribe. Tribal leaders like Juan Antonio resort to attacks on settlers when treaties are not ratified.
• 1852: The California Senate refuses to ratify a treaty granting Cahuilla control over their lands.
• 1855: First gold is reported in Big Bear Valley.
• 1858: John Cook files the first mining claim in Big Bear Valley. Butterfield Overland Mail begins stage service through the Mojave.
• 1859: The Mojave Road is established, linking Fort Mojave to Los Angeles. Mining begins in Big Bear Valley.
• 1860: Southern California’s largest gold rush begins in Holcomb Valley.
• 1863: A devastating smallpox epidemic spreads through the Cahuilla population, allegedly caused by infected blankets distributed by white settlers.
• 1866: The Mojave Road is used as a mail route, with military outposts established.
• 1868: Copper is discovered in the Clark Mountain area by Johnny Moss.
• 1870: Gold, silver, and lead are rediscovered in the Coso Range. Mining activities increase in the Mojave Desert, with early exploration in the Calico Hills.
• 1874–1876: Southern Pacific Railroad connects San Francisco to Los Angeles, including the Tehachapi Loop.
• 1877: The government formalizes reservation boundaries, leaving the Cahuilla with only a small portion of their traditional lands.
  • One former village, Tekwite (Tikwit), near a natural hot spring, is converted into a railroad station, later becoming the modern-day town of Indio, California.

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1880s: Founding and Early Growth

• 1882: Southern Pacific Railroad extends a line from Mojave to the Colorado River; Daggett is established as a transportation hub.
• 1883: The Stone Hotel is constructed by Victor Van Briesen as a two-story building with thick stone walls and a glass dome.
• 1885: Seymour Alf purchases the hotel and begins operating Alf’s Railroad Eating House.
• 1888: The Calico Railroad is completed, transporting silver ore from Calico to Daggett; Daggett becomes a bustling town with 20 saloons and significant economic activity.

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1890s: Mining Boom and Infrastructure Development

• 1890: The Stone Hotel survives a fire but is significantly rebuilt with a central staircase and turret.
• 1893: Southern California Improvement Company begins work on the Daggett Ditch (Minneola Canal) for irrigation and hydroelectric power.
• 1894: Alf’s Blacksmith Shop is rebuilt after a fire; it continues crafting borax wagons.
• 1897: The Daggett and Borate Railroad replaces 20-mule teams, connecting borax mines in Mule Canyon to Daggett.
• 1898: The Southern California Improvement Company goes bankrupt; plans for the Minneola farming colony fail.

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1900s: Transition and Decline

• 1901: Theodore and Dix Van Dyke revive the Daggett Ditch project, irrigating 320 acres east of Daggett.
• 1907: The Daggett and Borate Railroad is decommissioned as borax operations move elsewhere.
• 1908: The Stone Hotel suffers another fire, leaving it as a single-story structure.
• 1909: Daggett begins losing prominence as Barstow develops into a major railroad hub.

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1910s-1940s: Daggett’s Role Diminishes

• 1912: Walter Alf moves Alf’s Blacksmith Shop to its current location.
• 1924: Minneola’s school district closes, marking the end of the settlement’s revival efforts.
• 1940s: During World War II, the Daggett Garage serves as a mess hall for soldiers guarding railroad bridges.

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1950s-1970s: Later Years

• 1950s: Fish are reported in the Daggett Ditch, still in use for limited irrigation.
• 1970: Walter Alf passes away, marking the end of Alf’s Blacksmith Shop as an active operation.
• 1970s: Interstate 40 bypasses Daggett, further reducing its economic activity.

The Oasis of Mara is located in what is now Joshua Tree National Park. It is a historical and cultural treasure. This green area in the desert has always been a place of refuge for animals, travelers, and local people because it has a sure supply of water and shade.

Native American Heritage
The Serrano people first lived in the oasis, which they named Mara. They thought it was a holy place. Their stories say that a medicine man told them to plant a palm tree for each boy born in the tribe. As time passed, the oasis became covered with many California fan palms, giving important shelter in the tough desert conditions.

Early Exploration and Settlers

This oasis was important for people who lived and traveled in the 19th century. There was water and a resting place for those crossing the desert. Later, miners and ranchers visited the area for water and natural resources. Settlers arrived, bringing non-native plants and changing the nature of the oasis.

20th Century and Preservation
As time passed, the Oasis of Mara became part of the Joshua Tree National Monument, a national park. This beautiful oasis has significant historical and cultural importance. Nowadays, the Joshua Tree Visitor Center at Twentynine Palms offers visitors the opportunity to view palm remains and learn about the area’s history and ecology.

The Oasis of Mara shows how strong and flexible the land and its people are. It also represents the close connection between humans and nature in the Mojave Desert.

(Oasis of Mara – c.1904 – colorized)

https://digital-desert.com/oasis-of-mara

John Daggett was born in Newark, New York, in May 1833. In 1852, at 19 years old, Daggett came to California.

His political life started early as a member of the California State Assembly in 1858. He became the Lieutenant Governor of California in 1882 and continued for quite some time between 1883 and 1887.

In addition to the politics, mining took Daggett seriously in California. In San Bernardino County, he was the holder of the Calico Mine, the most active site of silver mining, toward the turn of the 19th century.

Very close to his mines, several miles away, came a town named Daggett, and his importance could be measured as that person holding stakes in the site. He died on August 30, 1919, attaching a legacy associated with the mining and politics of California to his name.

Edward H. Harriman (1848–1909) was a powerful and influential figure in the railroad industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He played a pivotal role in shaping America’s transportation infrastructure and economy through his aggressive and visionary leadership. Here’s a quick overview:

Key Facts About Edward H. Harriman:

1. Railroad Tycoon: Harriman was known for his ability to turn struggling railroads into profitable ventures. He gained control of major railroads, including the Union Pacific Railroad and the Southern Pacific Railroad, creating one of the most extensive rail networks in the United States.
2. Visionary Reformer: Harriman didn’t just consolidate railroads; he modernized them. He invested heavily in improving infrastructure, laying stronger tracks, building more efficient locomotives, and standardizing operations to ensure reliability and profitability.
3. Business Tactics: He was a master of corporate strategy, using bold financial maneuvers to outcompete rivals. His tactics sometimes drew criticism for being ruthless, but they solidified his reputation as one of the great “railroad barons.”
4. Connection to Death Valley Scotty: Harriman’s name is linked to Death Valley Scotty because Scotty once claimed Harriman had invested in his mythical gold mine. There’s no evidence Harriman actually did, but Scotty frequently invoked Harriman’s name to bolster his credibility with other investors. It was part of Scotty’s knack for attaching himself to famous figures.
5. Legacy: Harriman’s influence extended beyond railroads. He was a philanthropist, supporting educational and scientific endeavors, including the famed Harriman Alaska Expedition in 1899, which was a major scientific and exploratory mission.

Edward H. Harriman’s legacy as a transformative force in the railroad industry lives on, and his association with larger-than-life figures like Death Valley Scotty adds a colorful footnote to his historical impact.

Landers is a small community in the Mojave Desert of California. It is noted for its desert vistas, unique landmarks, and significant historical events.

Giant Rock is a giant boulder. It is sometimes believed to be the world’s largest freestanding rock. It has connections with UFO enthusiasts and desert spirituality.

The Integratron is a dome-shaped structure built by George Van Tassel. Sacred shapes and Nikola Tesla inspired it. Today, people visit for sound baths and meditation.

1992 Landers Earthquake: A 7.3 magnitude earthquake brought widespread attention and damage to the area. Desert Lifestyle: Landers is remote, attracting artists, nature enthusiasts, and stargazers.

/landers-ca/

The Negro Motorist “Green Book” is commonly referred to as simply the Green Book. This book was an annual travel guide published from 1936 to 1966. Its founder conceived it to help African Americans navigate the difficulties of traveling during the era of segregation and Jim Crow laws.

Travelers, postal workers, and business owners helped create the listings, which made them trustworthy and extensive. The guide was organized by state and city, so finding safe places to stop while traveling was simple. It often included helpful tips for handling car problems or police encounters.

The Green Book was indispensable to Black travelers who wanted to visit their families, go on vacation, and conduct business safely and confidently. It also instilled a sense of community by mapping Black-owned businesses and furthering economic independence.

As the Civil Rights Movement grew stronger, the Green Book began promoting its goals through articles and ads encouraging people to be active and aware. When segregation laws were abolished by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the guide was no longer needed; thus, its last edition came out in 1966.

The Green Book has been remembered today as evidence of the strength and ingenuity of African Americans who refused to let systemic racism get in the way of their travels and aspirations. It inspired books, documentaries, and movies, including the 2018 movie Green Book. Copies of the guide are now historical artifacts in archives and museums, preserving for future generations evidence of the barriers of the past and the determination of those who broke them down to create a better, more inclusive future.

Here’s a breakdown of the categories listed:

• Intro: Likely provides an overview or introduction to the Mojave Desert.
• Nature: Focuses on the flora, fauna, and ecosystems within the Mojave Desert.
• Map: Offers maps of the region for navigation and exploration.
• Parks: Highlights national and state parks in the Mojave Desert, such as Joshua Tree and Death Valley.
• Points of Interest: Details significant landmarks, attractions, and natural features.
• Ghosts & Gold: Likely focuses on ghost towns, mining history, and legends tied to the Mojave Desert’s past.
• Communities: Covers towns and settlements within or around the Mojave Desert.
• Roads & Trails: Features routes for driving, hiking, or exploring the area.
• People & History: Discusses historical figures, indigenous communities, and the desert’s role in human history.
• BLOG: Includes articles, stories, or updates about the Mojave Desert.
• Weather: Provides information on the climate and current conditions in the desert.
• 😕: Unclear purpose; could be a placeholder or mystery section.
• Glossary: Defines terms or concepts related to the Mojave Desert.

Home
│
├── Intro
│ ├── Overview
│ ├── Importance of the Mojave
│ └── Quick Facts
│
├── Nature
│ ├── Flora
│ ├── Fauna
│ ├── Ecosystems
│ └── Conservation Efforts
│
├── Map
│ ├── Interactive Map
│ ├── Topographical Map
│ └── Downloadable Maps
│
├── Parks
│ ├── Joshua Tree National Park
│ ├── Death Valley National Park
│ ├── Mojave National Preserve
│ └── Regional Parks
│
├── Points of Interest
│ ├── Natural Landmarks
│ ├── Historical Sites
│ ├── Recreational Spots
│ └── Scenic Views
│
├── Ghosts & Gold
│ ├── Ghost Towns
│ ├── Mining History
│ ├── Legends & Stories
│ └── Famous Mines
│
├── Communities
│ ├── Major Towns
│ ├── Historical Settlements
│ ├── Indigenous Tribes
│ └── Current Demographics
│
├── Roads & Trails
│ ├── Historic Routes
│ ├── Driving Tours
│ ├── Hiking Trails
│ └── Off-Road Adventures
│
├── People & History
│ ├── Indigenous History
│ ├── Pioneers & Settlers
│ ├── Military & Exploration
│ └── Modern Developments
│
├── BLOG
│ ├── Featured Articles
│ ├── Travel Guides
│ ├── Local Stories
│ └── Event Updates
│
├── Weather
│ ├── Current Conditions
│ ├── Seasonal Trends
│ └── Climate Information
│
└── Glossary
├── Geographical Terms
├── Historical Terms
├── Cultural Terms
└── Natural Terms