Point of Rocks (California)

Point of Rocks is a point of mountain range, as yet unnamed, that projects into the bed of the Mojave River in San Bernardino County, California. This range of mountains runs south to north along the east side of the Mojave River between Oro Grande and the mountain that Point of Rocks is a part, a mile northeast of Helendale.[1]

History

Point of Rocks was a landmark along the Mojave Trail, and its successors, the Old Spanish Trail and the Mormon Road that followed the riverbed.[2] It marked a point where the Mojave River would appear above ground to run on the surface surrounded by grassland, marshes and groves of cottonwood and willow. This made it a camping spot along the old trails and roads that followed the river. In 1863, the area of Point of Rocks was first settled by the Nicholson family.[3]

The later railroad built along the river there was built through a cut through the Point above the river, and the later automobile roads avoided it passing to the east of the mountain at Helendale.[1] [4]

References
  1. "Point of Rocks". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2009-05-04.
  2. Davidrumsey.com: Topographical Sketch showing the Outward and Inward Route of a Party, while examining as to the practicability of a Diversion of the Colorado River for Purposes of Irrigation, Lithograph by Eric Bergland, 1875. From, Wheeler, G.M., Topographical Atlas Projected To Illustrate United States Geographical Surveys West Of The 100th Meridian Of Longitude Prosecuted In Accordance With Acts Of Congress Under The Authority Of The Honorable The Secretary Of War, And The Direction Of Brig. Genl. A.A. Humphreys, Chief Of Engineers, U.S. Army. Embracing Results Of the Different Expeditions Under The Command Of 1st Lieut. Geo. M. Wheeler, Corps Of Engineers. Julius Bien, lith., G. Thompson, Washington, 1876 from davidrumsey.com accessed December 3, 2014.] — shows Southern California, parts of Nevada, and Arizona. Includes the roads and railroads of the time, including Point of Rocks the detailed routes of the Mormon Road to Fork of the Road and the Mojave Road from there to the Colorado River. (accessed March 30, 2016).
  3. Richard D. and Kathryn L. Thompson, Pioneer of the Mojave: The Life and Times of Aaron G. Lane, Desert Knolls Press, Apple Valley, 1995
  4. Point of Rocks (California) from mapper.acme.com accessed, March 30, 2016

34°45′29″N 117°18′48″W

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