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Turner Barn (site)
This site reflects the historical significance of Lane's Mojave River Crossing, which long served as an important junction for travelers and traders. Long before European settlers arrived, it was part of the Old Indian Mojave Trail-one path the indigenous peoples used. In 1776, at this crossing, the Spanish missionary Padre Garcés crossed, thereby making the early European exploration of the area. A half-century later, Jedediah Smith crossed at this crossing in his journey across the West in 1826-27, as did Kit Carson during the 1840s.
By the mid-1800s, this crossing point became important for westward expansion: Mormons, westward immigrants, military expeditions-even camels!-and mule trains crossed in the 1850s. By 1857, it came to be called Lane's Crossing and would eventually host both Wells Fargo and Pony Express stations, serving the crucial needs of travelers and mail routes alike.
Later, or about 1883, with the early development of Victorville, this would be called Turner Ranch. Today, the crossing stands as witness-or better put, a sign-to centuries of migration, trade, and expansion; that is, the importance this region played within the greater history of the American West.
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From pre historic times thru the 1800s, here was the main crossing of the old Indian Mojave Trail. Padre Garces (1776), Jedediah Smith (1826-27), Kit Carson (1840s) crossed here. Westward immigrants, Mormons, Army camels and Mule trains (1850s) also passed this spot.
Once known as Lane's Crossing (1857), Wells Fargo and Pony Express had stations here. Early Victorville called this, the Turner Ranch (1883).
Mohahve Historical Society - City of Victorville
