Pioneer of the Mojave

The Life and Times of Aaron G. Lane
By Richard D. and Kathryn L. Thompson

INTRODUCTION

This is the story of Victor Valley pioneer Captain A. G. Lane, the first permanent settler on the High Desert. In 1858 Lane located at a spot about one-half mile below the lower narrows of the Mojave River.

He had barely settled in before his ranch was raided by Indians. Other attacks followed throughout the years, and once he was even forced to leave the desert temporarily. Also a constant danger was the criminal element who sometimes sought refuge on the Mojave. On one occasion a murderer and his accomplice were tracked and caught at Lane's way station.

The Civil War era was especially dangerous, with secessionist plots, gangs of horse thieves, and a general increase in criminal activity. Added to this turmoil was the anti-U.S. climate in San Bernardino, which had been a Mormon colony up until the time of the Mormon rebellion against the government in 1857-8. Located as he was directly on the road across the desert, Lane often found himself at the center of shadowy activities, including secret military missions undertaken in the dark of night.

More than an account of Lane's successes and failures, Pioneer of the Mojave is a history of the events on the High Desert during his lifetime, including the origins of Oro Grande and the first settlements in what later became the town of Victorville. One chapter is devoted to mining on the High Desert, and another to the development of the toll road through Cajon Pass. There is information on early politics, education and pioneers of the period. Also included are photographs and illustrations.

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