Camp Rock Spring

The U.S. Army camp known as Camp Rock Spring was officially established in 1866 in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California, though it was utilized by the army before then. The camp initially served as part of the Carleton guard. It previously was an outpost of the larger Fort Mojave. It also briefly was utilized as a secondary supply point with a post office, supplied from Drum Barracks and San Pedro, which were located more than 200 miles west. U.S. soldiers frequented the camp throughout the Civil War. Records from 1863 indicate that the responsibilities of the soldiers who were posted there were to be on alert for any suspicious movements or travelers and to alert the forces at Fort Mojave of any potential dangers. Soldiers at the camp were sent out in the surrounding areas in scouting parties to ensure travel routes remained open for military and civilian use.

By 1864, records show that another 20-man patrol group frequently made round trips every two weeks from Fort Mojave to Rock Springs and back. These records indicate that the camp was not being utilized at the time, and the expeditions were a substitute for the duties performed by soldiers who previously were posted at Rock Spring. Despite few records detailing the disturbances being available, reports indicate that many complaints were filed in the area surrounding Rock Springs. In 1863, citizens passing through reported that about 100 Native Americans were in the area, with another 300-400 close by, harassing local citizens and stealing cattle. Two days later, it was concluded that the report was a false alarm.

In the latter months of 1865, some sort of disturbance certainly occurred. Two unidentified men had constructed a hut on the camp to stay in while conducting mining operations near the fort. While the men were away either mining or for other reasons, parts of the hut were burned and many of their belongings stolen. Brevet Brigadier Charles A. Whittier reported during a following inspection that the perpetrators “burnt the roof from their hut and stole what they could carry off.” Whether the perpetrators were white civilians or Native Americans was never concluded for certain.

Following the incident in 1865, the men who had built the fort decided to leave the area. Whittier reported that the government should have utilized service members to protect the area by again stationing them at Camp Rock Spring. Although the men had left and did not return to the camp, the government responded by again stationing a company of men at Rock Spring. At this time, conditions on the camp in the middle of the desert were very rough for the men who were stationed there. Subsequently, efforts were made to improve the conditions of the buildings.

Because of the rock spring for which the camp is named and the surrounding environment, building materials were readily available on site. However, because of the lack of plants in the area, the decision was made that infantry ought to replace cavalry stationed at the camp. Grain for the animals cost around $8 per bushel, which was roughly ten-times more expensive than at most other outposts that were less isolated. Due to fears of potential conflicts with Native Americans who likely would be mounted, the decision to exchange cavalry for infantry was intensely debated, but carried out nevertheless. Some mules and horses remained at the camp to be used for the mail wagon.

Another recurring issue for those stationed at the camp was to maintain a sufficient supply of water. The rock spring on site proved to be a less-than-reliable source of water and was oftentimes dried out. As a result, wells were sunk about a mile away to be used by the men at Rock Spring. The site of the wells was referred to as “Government Holes.” In 1864, an expedition sent from Utah went to the Government Holes after discovering the Rock Springs spring to be entirely dried up. By 1867, the camp site seemed to have become unsuitable for use by the government. A report by the Secretary of War in 1867 described Camp Rock Springs: “On the desert… very disagreeable place for the troops… Camp Rock Springs is to be broken up due to lack of water.” By the following year, the camp was completely abandoned and its related services and responsibilities replaced by the camp at Marl Springs.

Per Hike Speak: "To get to the trailhead: From Barstow, head east on the Interstate 40. Take exit 100 and go north up Essex Road. After 10 miles, turn right onto Black Canyon Road and continue north for another 19 miles. You will pass Hole-in-the-Wall after 10 miles and then the road will go from pavement to dirt. At the end of Black Rock Road, turn right on Cedar Canyon Road. Drive 4.8 miles east and look for a marked road to Rock Spring on the right. Take this dead-end road for half a mile to the trailhead parking area, where there is a gate to prevent vehicles from driving all the way up to the Rock House."

"Camp Rock Spring," Mojave Desert. Accessed July 10th 2020. http://mojavedesert.net/military/camp-rock-springs.html.

"Fortified Paradise: Camp Rock Spring", Desert Way. Accessed July 10th 2020. https://www.thedesertway.com/camp-rock-spring/.

Hart, Herbert. "Camp Rock Springs," Military Museum. 1965. Accessed July 10th 2020. http://militarymuseum.org/CpRockSprings.html.

Kindig, Michael. "Camp Rock Spring", Historical Marker Database. December 20th 2011. Accessed July 10th 2020. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=78592.

"Rock Spring Loop Trail in Mojave National Preserve," Hike Speak. Accessed July 10th 2020. https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/rock-spring-loop-trail-mojave/.