Desert Spring, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Desert Spring
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Former settlement
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The California Historic Landmark plaque for Desert Spring
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 Desert Spring
Location in California
Desert Spring
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Kern County |
| Reference #: | 476 |
Desert Spring is a place in Kern County, California. It's located in the Fremont Valley, south of Red Rock Canyon State Park. This spot used to be a small community. It was about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) northeast of a town called Cantil.
Contents
Why Desert Spring Was Important
Desert Spring was a very special place in the Mojave Desert. It had natural springs that provided fresh water. This water was vital for many different groups of people.
A Lifeline in the Desert
For Native Americans, the springs were a crucial water source. They knew the land well and relied on these springs. Later, explorers and prospectors also depended on this water. Anyone traveling through the dry desert needed a reliable water supply.
Famous Visitors and Travelers
Many important people stopped at Desert Spring.
- In 1834, explorer Joseph R. Walker visited the springs.
- John C. Fremont came through in 1844 during his expeditions.
- In 1850, many people migrating to California used this spring. They had traveled a tough route through the El Paso Range.
- Later in the 1800s, the springs helped "ore freighters." These were people who transported valuable rocks and minerals. Prospectors, who searched for gold and other metals, also used the water.
California Historical Landmark
Today, Desert Spring is recognized as a California Historical Landmark. It has the number 476. This means it's an important historical site in California.
What the Landmark Plaque Says
The official plaque at the site tells its story:
- It mentions that the spring was on an old trail. This trail was used by Native Americans and later became known as the Joe Walker Trail in 1834.
- It also talks about the "Manly-Jayhawk Death Valley parties." These were groups of very tired and thirsty travelers. They found relief at Desert Spring in 1849-1850. They had come from Indian Wells through a difficult area called Last Chance Canyon.
- Finally, the plaque notes that Desert Spring was a stop on the Nadeau Borax Freight Road. This was a route used to transport borax, a mineral, by wagons.
