Welcome to the Camp Cajon Monument, a tribute to the spirit of adventure and the pioneering days of American motoring. Situated at Cajon Junction, California, this monument serves as a reminder of the time when Route 66 was the lifeline for travelers venturing into Southern California.
Camp Cajon was established on July 4, 1919, in the midst of the growing automobile craze in the United States. As automobiles became more affordable, highways like the National Old Trails Road—later known as Route 66—saw increased traffic. Camp Cajon, envisioned by local orange grower and promoter William Bristol, was created as a free public auto camp, offering weary travelers a place to rest after their arduous journey through the Mojave Desert.
The camp was a shaded oasis featuring beautiful stone structures made from local river rock. It provided essential facilities where travelers could enjoy a meal, repair their vehicles, or simply relax before continuing their journey into the burgeoning communities of Southern California.
However, the camp’s existence was cut short by the catastrophic Great Flood of 1938, which swept away many of its structures. Despite its physical destruction, the memory of Camp Cajon lived on through the efforts of local historical societies. In 2019, exactly 100 years after its initial dedication, a new monument was erected to commemorate this historic site. This monument, designed as a historic facsimile rather than a replica, features granite plaques engraved with the original text that once adorned the camp.
Camp Cajon not only served as a rest stop but also as a symbol of the American journey westward, a path traveled by Native Americans, explorers, and settlers alike. This area, known as the Gateway to Southern California, has played a pivotal role in the region’s history, from the days of the Serrano Indians to the bustling highways of today.
As you stand here, imagine the travelers of the past, weary yet hopeful, as they passed through this gateway, seeking new opportunities in the land of sunshine and promise. The monument now stands as a testament to their journeys and the enduring legacy of Route 66.
