On February 16, 1867, escalating tensions over fertile land in the San Bernardino Mountains resulted in the Battle of Chimney Rock. Despite a fierce defense, the local Indians were forced to retreat into the desert, ultimately losing their traditional mountain foraging grounds to white settlers.
A second plaque notes that this, considered the last major Indian fight in Southern California, was triggered in January 1867 when Indians raided local cabins and a sawmill. A retaliatory posse then surprised the Indians at their camp, ending the hostilities with heavy casualties.
Location
On State Hwy 18 at Rabbit Springs Road, 3.2 mi West of Lucerne Valley. Markers are about 500 feet east of the intersection on the north side of Hwy 18.
