Lane's Crossing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lane's Crossing
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| Nickname(s):
Lane's
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 Lane's Crossing
Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | San Bernardino |
| Elevation | 2,654 ft (809 m) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 0 |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP codes |
92368
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Lane's Crossing was a special place in San Bernardino County, California. It was a shallow spot in the Mojave River where people and wagons could cross safely. This type of crossing is called a ford. It was located just below the Lower Narrows of the river.
At this important crossing, there was a ranch and a store called "Lane's." This settlement was started by "Captain" Aaron G. Lane. He was the very first pioneer to settle along the Mojave River. His ranch and store were a welcome stop for travelers on the Mormon Road.
Contents
History
Ancient Trails and Early Crossings
For hundreds of years, Native American tribes lived near the Mojave River. This area is now known as Oro Grande, California. The river was part of a big trade route. This route connected tribes near the Colorado River with those on the coast of Southern California. People called it the Mohave Trail.
Later, Spanish priests and soldiers used this trail. American fur trappers and traders from New Mexico also followed it. By 1830, the Mohave Trail became part of the Old Spanish Trail. This longer trail connected New Mexico with Alta California.
The Mormon Road and Important Crossings
After the Mexican–American War, the United States gained control of California. Then, Mormon pioneers began to create the Mormon Road. This was a wagon road that stretched from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles. The western part of this road followed the Old Spanish Trail.
The Mormon Road crossed the Mojave River just below the Lower Narrows. This particular spot was known as the Last Crossing of the Mojave. From here, travelers left the river behind. They would then cross the rest of the desert to reach Cajon Pass.
Aaron Lane and the First Settlement
In 1859, a man named Aaron G. Lane established a ranch and store here. He was a veteran of the Mexican War. He was also a "Forty-niner," meaning he had come to California during the Gold Rush in 1849. His settlement became known as Lane's Crossing.
This was a very important moment. Lane's Crossing became the first permanent settlement along the Mojave River. It offered supplies and a resting place for people traveling through the area.
In 1865, Aaron Lane sold his ranch and store. He then moved further down the river to start a new ranch at Bryman. Other people took over his old ranch and store. However, the name "Lane's" remained popular for many years. It even appeared on maps of the area as late as the 1880s.
