West Mojave Plan FEIR/S - Desert Managers Group

Southern line coming north from Cajon Pass.Development of automobile routes began in the early-20th century and increased inimportance in the second quarter of the 20th century (Warren 1980:239). Following completionof the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad, a road was constructed in 1914 parallel to the tracks, whichroad became the precursor of U.S. 66. In 1925, construction began on U.S. 91, a new alignmentof an older trail, which opened up the desert to the general public.Ranching and agricultural industries at the beginning of the 20th century and increasingpopulations in Los Angeles created a need for more water than the immediate landscape couldsupply. In rural areas, the demand was met by small irrigation ditches and canals, but LosAngeles’ need was met by construction of the Los Angeles Aqueducts in 1908-1913 and in the1920s.Military bases were established in the desert prior to U.S. entry into World War II. Largetracts of land were set aside for military use near Ridgecrest, Barstow, Lancaster, andTwentynine Palms.3.7.1.5 Known Significant SitesPrehistoric and historic properties and traditional cultural properties on federal lands areformally identified as significant by being listed in the National Register of Historic Places ordetermined eligible for listing (see Table 3-62). Properties on state or private lands are formallyidentified as significant by being listed in the California Register of Historic Resources ordesignated as a California Historic Landmark or California Point of Historical Interest. Somelocal governments also offer designation/registration programs for local properties. These listsare not comprehensive; they include only those properties that have been selected for specialattention or have been evaluated as part of project development. Most sites have not beenevaluated for significance. Federal regulation requires that caution be exercised when dealingwith unevaluated properties to avoid damage or alterations that might affect qualities that couldmake them eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.Table 3-62West Mojave Sites listed in the National Register of Historic PlacesRIDGECREST FIELD OFFICEPROPERTY NAME COUNTY SITES INCLUDED KNOWN VALUESBandit Rock (Robber’sRoost)Kern1 (several sites present were notincluded in nomination)Historic (sites not included innomination are prehistoric)Blackwater Well Kern 17 PrehistoricLast Chance Canyon(Includes Last ChanceCanyon ACEC withinboundaries)Red Mountain SpringArchaeological DistrictKernSan Bernardino160 (an additional 55 siteswithin 2 mile radius ofboundary)Chapter 3 3-28223 formally recorded; a numberof others being documented as aresult of recent researchPrehistoric/historic/Native AmericanMostly prehistoric but somehistoric remains