First Military Presence at Bitter Springs

"Chaining the High Desert"

Brevet Captain John C. Fremont of the Corps of Topographical Engineers with his guide, a long time friend, Kit Carson (Scout) traveled this region from 1843-44. They were sent by the American Government to survey the migration/trade routes of the local Indians. Also they were to make scientific explorations of geological and horticultural resources of this region. In addition, they were also to determine an access route wide enough for covered wagons and supply trains of future immigrants coming through this region. They traveled in civilian attire to avoid alarming the local Indians and especially the Spanish-Mexican settlers who had large haciendas (ranches) throughout this region. The Rancheros (ranchers) were very protective of their lands and would have been concerned seeing U.S. military uniformed personnel surveying “their” property. Captain Fremont's surveying expedition traveled quickly to minimize detection and only indicated on his map the most direct routes, easiest access paths and water resources. They spent a short time at Aqua de Tomaso (Bitter Springs) and noted it on their map.

Note: Fremont did not know that Father Francisco Garces had named the spring for one of the guides, but merely noted what was related to him verbally as the name for this site on his map as Aqua de Tomaso (Bitter Springs). He also wrote the name Mohahve (Mojave) River as it was pronounced to him.

Captain Fremont would have Carson's men stretch out the 66-foot chain and hold the rod (16' 6" tall wooden pole) while he noted the angle, degree and distance on his map. Carson would mark that length by placing a metal pin into the ground. After logging his findings on the map, the men would pull up the back pin from the last point and re-stretch the chain 66 feet. They would repeat this pinning and re-stretching 80 times to equal 1 mile. This was called "chaining".