Newhall Off The Beaten Path Tips by Yaqui

Beale's Cut Stage Coach Pass Markers

Sadly first of all the markers are missing and probably been missing a long time. As young folks we use to ride along Sierra Highway and use to pull off here to stretch our legs. I always admire the markers back then. It is sad now the markers are gone, the bases are falling apart and there is trash all over. Yet, history was made here.

The stagecoach pass was original cute by Phineas Banning in 1854 who was contracted to build a road to provide access through the mountain for Fort Tejon. It was then widen by Edward F. Beale who was Lincoln Surveyor General for California and Nevada. It was wided by 90 fee and named after him. The road was unsed extensively by the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach. It stood the test of time until 1910 when a tunnel was built. Beale even had a ranch house constructed based at the canyon to collect a toll fee of pioneers who wanted to pass through here.

This canyon was used in many many westerns and was the sight for Tom Mix famous jump. Well we all know stuntmen were used for that, and let's give CREDIT TO THE HORSE for the most part. Here are some wonderful links that shows its history.

Beale's Cut

Movies made at Beale's Cut

If you look at the second photo you can see the entrance to the canyon and not far is Beale's Cut.

Located at: Sierra Highway near Antelope Valley Freeway (California Route 14), on the right when traveling north. Marker was at 22580 Sierra Highway, Newhall CA 91321

Website: http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist11/photogallery/newhall.htm

We Remember Plaque

Dedicated to those lost during September 11, 2001.

Somerset County, Pa New York, Ny Washington, DC
Through blurred eyes we find the strength and courage to soar beyond the moment. We look to the future knowing we can never forget the past.
God Bless America.

WE REMEMBER
This memorial is dedicated with appreciation to the brave firefighters, police officers and emergency personnel who unselfishly gave their lives while aiding their fellowman following the uprecedented act of terrorism against our country on September 11, 2001. Their courage, compassion, and loyalty during a time of national distress define the character of this great nation.

Dedicated on this Day September 11, 202. Eteranl Valley Memorial Park and Mortuary.

Located in front the chapel off Interstate 14, Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary
23287 N Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 9132%c*

Last Horse Drawn Hearse of Los Angeles Co. 1860

Located within the gates, but just to the left of the guard shelter incase to protect is a real historical horse drawn hearse of LA county.

This vehicle was manufactured at about the same time the first interments were made in this cemetery -1860. Courtesy of Paul J. Smith.

Located off Interstate 14, Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary
23287 N Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 9132

Eternal Valley Park Book~Interstate 14

I am a native Californian and have lived here most of life. If you have ever traveled along Interstate 14 you have probably seen the huge book located in Eternal Valley Park in Newhall. Have any of you stopped to read it? Probably not, so here it is and what is so wonderful about it because it talks about the history of this very area.

In 1769 Spanish padres sent out by Father Junipero Serra recommended this property as a mission site. It became instead a farm and ranch for the San Fernando Mission. A stage coach stope called Lyon Station, was established here in 1854 & by the end of the Civil War interments had been made in this cemetery. In 1888 when the property was acquited by Henry Clay Needham, it came to be known as the Needham Family Cemetery. This beautiful area is now being developed as an endowment care Memorial Park, petuation of its great pioneer traditions. Memorial property in Eternal Valley is now available to all California families. On high purpose governs this development it shall be a garden of eternal beauty.

"Out of the shaows of night. The world rolls into light. It is daybreak everywhere~Longfellow"

Located off Interstate 14, Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary
23287 N Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 91321

Phone: 661-259-0800

Lyons Station Stagecoach Stop Marker #688

California Historical Marker NO. 688 LYONS STATION STAGECOACH STOP - This site was the location of a combination store, post office, telegraph office, tavern, and stage depot accommodating travelers during the Kern River gold rush in the early 1850s. A regular stop for Butterfield and other early California stage lines, it was purchased by Sanford and Cyrus Lyons in 1855, and by 1868 at least twenty families lived here. Eternal Valley Memorial Park has called their final resting place "The Garden of the Pioneers."

Location: Eternal Valley Memorial Park, 23287 N Sierra Hwy, near State Hwy 14 and San Fernando Rd, Newhall

As you enter the memorial park, it is to the right in front of the chapel.

I was told by the wonderful gentleman that attended the gate said that many family members who lived at the stage coach or travelers who became sick along the way that passed away were buried here. Where the chapel is was the original site for the pioneer burials, but the owner wanted the chapel be next to the main buildings, so they removed the graves to across the driveway.

Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=21427

Oak of the Golden Dream Historical Marker #168

California Historical Marker: NO. 168 OAK OF THE GOLDEN DREAM - Francisco López made California's first authenticated gold discovery on March 9, 1842. While gathering wild onions near an oak tree in Placerita Canyon he found gold particles clinging to the roots of the bulbs. The San Fernando placers and nearby San Feliciano Canyon were worked by Sonoran miners using panning, sluicing and dry washing methods. Lopez's find predated James Marshall strike at Sutter's Mill by six years.
Location: Site: Placerita Canyon State and County Park, Placerita Canyon Rd, 4.6 mi NE of Newhall (Los Angeles)

Plaque location states is on SE corner I-5 and Lyons Ave in Newhall, Ca

Along Interstate 5 California always post markers located off the Interstate. I would exit onto Lyons Ave, then head north onto Sierra Highway which crosses Lyons Ave. It is next to a driveway for an oil pump.

Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=21427