Cemetery Photo
Kern County, California
Beale First Superintendent of Indian Affairs in California appointed by
President Williard Fillmore. Sanctioned by the United States Government.
The Tejon Indian Reservation was established in 1853 by Beale for the welfare
and protection of the Indians in this part of California. Fort Tejon was
established in 1854. Dedicated by The Historical Society of Southern California
June 13, 1955"
CAMEL BRIGADE
of the United States Army
commanded by Lt. Edward F. Beale
1857 ~ 1861
San Antonio Texas to Fort Tejon California
Platrix Chapter
September 2, 1957
In 1856 the U.S. Army started an experiment using camel for supply transport
in the southwest. The camels proved ill suited to the American southwest. In
November 1859 a civilian contractor turned over 28 camels to the Army at Fort
Tejon. The post quartermaster cared for the camel herd until 1861 when the
herd was transferred to the Los Angeles Depot. With the possible exception
of an unsuccessful messenger service in September 1860, the camels were never
used in military operations. The "Camel Corps" mentioned in many writing
never existed. Dedicated September 27, 2003 California Department of Parks
and Recreation Peter Lebeck Chapter 1866 and Platrix Chapter #2,
E. Clampus Vitus
FORT TEJON
CAMEL TRAIL TERMINUS
Jefferson Davis, Father of National Highways, as Secretary of War 1853 ~ 57
sponsored the importation of 77 camels for transporting military supplies
to the west coast. The camel trail survey ran from San Antonio, Texas to
Fort Tejon which marks the western terminus part of the Jefferson Davis
Highway. The Army Camel Corps arrived at this fort in November 1857 with
Lt. Edward F. Beale in command.
Erected
By
California Division
United Daughters of the Confederacy
Nov. 11, 1956
in any way without consent.
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