Dedication of Camp Cajon monument planned for July 4

Several area historical societies plan to dedicate a new monument dedicated to Camp Cajon on July 4, which happens to be the centennial of the opening of the pre-Route 66 auto camp north of San Bernardino, California.

The San Bernardino County Sun reports:

Commuters in the Cajon Pass on the 15 Freeway may have recently noticed an unusual concrete-block pyramid topped by a small American flag, rising on the east side of the freeway, just behind the CHP truck scale building.

The structure is the foundation of the new Camp Cajon Monument being built by a number of local history groups to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Camp Cajon — a free auto camp opened on July 4, 1919.

Camp Cajon was located about 1,100 feet south of the McDonald’s on Wagon Train Road, near the intersection of the 15 and Highway 138.

The new monument is the result of two years of planning and fund raising by the San Bernardino, Wrightwood, Highland, and Mohahve historical societies. A dedication ceremony is planned for 10 a.m. July 4 at the monument site.

The monument is a re-creation of Camp Cajon’s entrance. The spire-shaped monument at the  entrance stood about 8 feet tall and featured large, hand-laid stone text that spelled “CAMP CAJON.”

Earlier reporting stated the new monument will resemble the old, except for some modern-day structural adjustments. Instead of five bronze plates in the original, the monument will have the original text engraved on five granite plates.

William Bristol built Camp Cajon along National Old Trails Road, which later became Route 66, as a shaded rest stop for travelers venturing into Southern California through the Cajon Pass.

A huge flood destroyed Camp Cajon in 1938 and never was rebuilt.

Images of Camp Cajon during its heyday may be found here.

(Image of the original Camp Cajon entrance via its Facebook page)

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