Tag: Keeler

  • Why is the Mojave Famous?

    Here is a look at what the Mojave is famous for, with pioneer trails and human history front and center:

    1. Native Peoples
      Long before wagon wheels, the Mojave was home to Native tribes like the Mojave, Chemehuevi, Southern Paiute, and Serrano. These communities knew the springs, passes, and seasonal rhythms like the back of their hand, and they left trails, trade routes, rock art, and village sites throughout the region. Their knowledge of water and survival shaped later explorers’ routes.
    2. Pioneer Trails
      • Old Spanish Trail: This historic trade route linked New Mexico to California, winding through the Mojave. Traders, herders, and explorers used it to move livestock and goods—often braving vast dry stretches and rugged terrain.
      • Mojave Road (aka Government Road): Originally a Native footpath, it became a vital wagon route in the 1800s, linking the Colorado River to Southern California. Army outposts like Fort Mojave and Camp Cady were built along it to protect travelers.
      • Salt Lake Wagon Road and Bradshaw Trail: These overland trails helped connect remote mining districts and settlements, pushing westward expansion through incredibly harsh country.
      • Butterfield Overland Mail Route: This short-lived but famous stagecoach line cut through the edge of the Mojave to deliver mail between St. Louis and San Francisco.
    3. Homesteaders, Miners, and Ranchers
      Once the trails were blazed, the floodgates opened to prospectors, settlers, and ranchers. Boomtowns sprang up around gold, silver, and borax. Think Calico, Tecopa, Kelso, and Ballarat—all born of dreams and dust. Cattlemen like Albert Swarthout carved out rough but sustainable ranches, running cattle from the low desert to summer pastures in the San Bernardino Mountains.
    4. Railroads and Route 66
      The Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, and Atlantic & Pacific Railroads stitched the desert into the country’s growing infrastructure. Later, Route 66 brought travelers through towns like Barstow, Needles, and Amboy, adding roadside Americana to the desert’s legacy.
    5. Modern Tribes of the Desert
      Today, the Mojave is home to desert dwellers of all stripes—scientists, artists, loners, and communities like the Mojave Indian Tribe, who still live near the Colorado River. It also draws off-grid homesteaders and folks seeking freedom in wide open country.
    6. Endurance and Ingenuity
      Whether you’re talking about ancient foot trails, covered wagons crossing dry washes, or early aviators launching into the unknown, the Mojave has always demanded toughness and adaptability. It’s a place that doesn’t hand out easy victories—but the stories it holds are worth every blister and rattlesnake dodge.
  • Keeler to Mojave by Stage

    Book Review: 101 moments in Eastern Sierra History
    by Dave Babb

    “In the 1890s, Mr. W.K. Miller established a six horse stage line between Keeler, on the northeast shore of Owens Lake, and Mojave.

    The stage left Keeler and Mojave every other day at noon. In those days the trip took nearly 24 hours of continuous dusty travel through cactus and sand, and around hummocks.

    The coach was that typical Concorde carriage of the day, square and rather high. It had a door on each side, and multiple layers of leather straps served as springs.

    Inside,  two seats face each other and eight people could be seated. A ninth could ride on top with the driver and kids could sit on their parents laps. The fare was $10 per person.

    The first leg of the trap, from Keeler to Olancha, was the roughest part of all — taking up to six hours. After a change of horses, which took about five minutes,  Haiwee could be reached in another three hours.

    They changed horses eight times during the trip, and had to average about 5 mph to make a few Mojave by noon.  Some 60 horses were kept in reserve to keep the stage rolling in on time.

    Passengers carried their own food and water, and comfort stops were made upon request — behind the nearest bush at the back of the stage.”

    Dave Babb first came to the eastern Sierra in 1952, at the age of 13 for a two-week camping and hiking trip along the John Muir Trail.   after completing his education receiving BS and MS degrees in wildlife biology he returned to Bishop with his wife and their three children.

    He has authored or co-authored nearly two dozen publications on the history and natural resources of the Inyo-Mono region and written more than 170 articles on Eastern Sierra wildlife.

    This is a great little book to own, entertaining and informative.
    You may be able to find it here.

    101 moments in Eastern Sierra History
    by Dave Babb
    Published by Community Printing
    ISBN 10: 0912494395 ISBN 13: 9780912494395