Re-creation of monument marks Camp Cajon’s 100th anniversary

Several weeks ago, the dedication of a replica of Camp Cajons original monument marked the 100th anniversary of the camp along Cajon Pass in Southern California.

The event was during the July 4 holiday, but a story didn’t appear in the San Bernardino County Sun until mid-August.

History columnist Mark Landis provided a thumbnail history of Camp Cajon:

Camp Cajon was a free auto camp and rest stop that opened July 4, 1919, on National Old Trails Road, which later became Route 66. The camp became known as “The Gateway to Southern California” and was conceived and developed by William M. Bristol, a well-known local orange grower, author, and community leader. Camp Cajon was badly damaged in the Great Flood of 1938, and never rebuilt.

The site of Camp Cajon lies at the end of Wagon Train Road, south of the intersection of Interstate 15 and Highway 138. Wagon Train Road is a dead-end section of Route 66.

The San Bernardino Historical and Pioneer Society, Wrightwood Historical Society, Highland Area Historical Society and Mohahve Historical Society were instrumental in re-creating the monument.

The original spire-shaped monument at the entrance stood about 8 feet tall and featured large, hand-laid stone text that spelled “CAMP CAJON.” The new monument resembles the old, except for some modern structural adjustments.

This year’s July 4 event tried to re-create many of the same activities that day 100 years ago, including J.C. Davis’ “Camp Cajon” poem. The gala briefly was interrupted by a 6.4-magnitude earthquake, but no injuries or property damage was reported there.

Here’s when the American flag was unveiled atop the monument:

More from Landis:

The monument was then christened by Gregory Doherty, the great-grandson of William Bristol. Doherty smashed a bottle of “clear Cajon Creek water” on a corner of the monument, following the same christening process as in the original celebration. […]
After the ceremony, several attendees told me they thought William Bristol would be proud that his work was honored with such reverence and attention to detail. It was gratifying to know that this new monument would be a lasting tribute to the history of travel through the Cajon Pass, and to William Bristol, the man who created Camp Cajon.
Everyone is welcome to visit the new monument at the end of Wagon Train Road in the Cajon Pass. Also, watch for new elements at the site, such as interpretive signs, and historic trail markers, that will highlight the fascinating history of the area.

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

(Image of new Camp Cajon monument and a Ford Model T from the Camp Cajon page on Facebook)