Early history of the San Gorgonio Pass, gateway to California

Unrestricted A perennial impediment for immigrants traveling to California from either Mexico or the eastern United states has been the Sierra Nevada range. Known by various names in different regions, the Sierra Nevadas represent the nation's most rugged mountain chain and extend throughout California's entire length along its eastern side. Few satisfactory passes intersect this range and paradoxically the best one was least used by California-bound Spaniards, Mexicans, and Americans. This narrow opening in the Sierra Nevadas was San Gorgonio Pass through which the Southern Pacific Railroad travels today. Its first large scale use did not occur until the early 18608 when migration's backward tide swarmed through it destined for Arizona's booming gold and silver fields. ❧ San Gorgonio Pass supplies the focal point upon which this paper is cantered. Its growth and development through 1878 supply the content. Divided into eight chapters, the reader will observe two points of emphasis being stressed throughout. First, the geographically strategic position of the Pass as a gateway into Californla wi11 be considered for its significance in stimulating inter-sectional southern transportation. Second, its growth and progress as an interior settlement area will be traced and evaluated.