A Trip to the Oak Grove Stage Station - Built in 1858

[@robertreynolds1044]

You drove right by Puerta la Cruz fire camp, the last place I was a guest of the state of California in 1984,I fought five different fires that season. My name is Bicycle Bob and I approved this message and I'm still living clean.

[@robertreynolds1044]

@@randyalbright7212 forty years later...

[@timhazeltine3256]

Congrats

[@rogerlyngeng6903]

Seeing from Norway, fantastic storytelling🙂

[@garlicgalore]

"You may be asked to leave at any time. Please enjoy your stay." Definitely a keeper!

[@georgew1751]

I want a T shirt with that on it. That's life..

[@timhazeltine3256]

​@georgeperfect!w1751

[@azcontrols95]

Ever been to Vallecito Stage Station County Park near Borrego Springs? Not only was it one of the original stations it has been fully restored since the 1930s. FYI Marjorie Reed, a famous western artist, spent decades of her life researching and painting over 100 of the stage stations along the Butterfield Route from Tipton, Missouri to San Francisco. She actually lived at the Oak Grove station for a brief period of time in the early 1990s.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I've been to Vallecito but never manage to get there when it's actually open. Didn't know Marjorie Reed stayed there. Really cool.

[@GringoLoco1]

Last time I was there was 78 or probably 79 (!). Trying to find a way back to Escondido from Borrego with snow falling in the mountains. Geez I'm oooollldddd. Thanks (again) for the nostalgia

[@HazMat1012]

I've visited a few times. It's on private property. The gates used to be open about 5 years ago during the weekend. But the gates were closed the last couple of times I visited (even before COVID, the gates were closed on the weekend).

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I'm glad you can at least get a good look at it even with the gates closed. I was worried we'd get out there and see nothing.

[@HazMat1012]

I agree, even from the gate, it's still a cool view. There's a couple of things missed with the gates closed. One is someone who put these stuffed life-sized fabric dolls inside. You can see them through the windows, like 4 guys playing poker, a couple of women sitting. And on the backside, you can peek in the window to the barbershop and a couple of other things.

[@belindalubben303]

I think its too frigile,to enter...but beautiful place.❤

[@denisehazlett508]

The last few times I've been there, the stagecoach station has been closed even though a sign is posted. The person that owns it does open it up periodically depending on his or her mood. And most of the adobe part of the building is on the other side where you can't see it. And that part does need work to help preserve it. I wish some organization like SOHO would be to get involved to help with preservation.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

SOHO does a great job with Warner's Ranch so they'd definitely be the right people for this.

[@donaldduncan7095]

That was cool beyond words. A real gem of a survivor from the old west that isn't a replica at an amusement park. Since I live in southern California, this is one drive I will do. Thanks !

[@stevenkaskus6173]

MY Mom and I use to go on drives to some of the places Huell houser visited and one trip we took we got to meet him. Miss those trips with Mom. Hope you have a great trip and maybe get to meet Steve at one point. Have fun, stay safe

[@guitarstringman7403]

"You may be asked to leave at any time. Please enjoy your stay", preceded by, " Beware of snakes and stinging insects.... ", such a metaphor of life. Great insight on this, Steve.

[@davidortega357]

I've been through Oak Grove in northern San Diego county me and my older brother would go to Pala to look for Rocks back in 1966 ack then there was oranges n. Groves and lots of early California history near lot of native American reservations too Temecula pauma kupa

[@JH_75]

The Woodpecker stops when you try to film him because he's thinking, "Is that Steve, from Sidetrack Adventures?"

[@SidetrackAdventures]

He knows about my planned Walter Lantz video and is protesting maybe.

[@JH_75]

I remember Water Lantz from countless hours watching cartoons. Nice reference, Steve!@@SidetrackAdventures

[@mawi1172]

I find EVERY SINGLE ONE of your videos informative, entertaining, completely peaceful, kind and respectful. I depend on you now because you get me to places I missed ❤😂❤😂❤😂. I'll never travel again at 70. Not like you do. Not like I use to. You're valued out here, Steve. We luv ya! 💋🤩❤️💋🤩❤️😅😂😂😂😂❤️❤️❤️

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@barbaramai7610]

@@SidetrackAdventures I am new to your channel, Steve, and I agree with @mawi1172 statements. I simply love your videos and the information you provide and the places I will never be able to visit. At 83, I no longer have a bucket list! 😊

[@elcaminomant]

Since I live in Ramona, I pass here on the regular when I visit my mother in Hemet. The whole back country area that is highway 79 is such a beautiful and quiet place. It is fascinating to see this old building and know it has been standing for so long. Thanks for taking the time to do a video in it!

[@beckyweissberg7644]

Thank you for being respectful of signs and not going into restricted areas when it may be tempting. Honesty is still the best policy.

[@skydiverclassc2031]

I marvel at the endurance of the travelers and the operators who drove the stages over this area. I've been through there a few times and it's about as hot and dry as you can get. Oak Grove was probably the first water (or the last, depending on the direction) before Warner Springs. Not a pleasant condition. On a side note, if you look at the route map, the stage stops in Visalia (my hometown). There's a Clamper marker downtown commemorating the arrival of the first stage, at about 2am, met by rowdy townfolk with bells and whistles. A sleepy passenger reportedly said "These people should be remembered for their efforts. I hereby memorialize them."

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I imagine the 1st stage showing up in some of these places was such a huge event. It probably felt like the first time they were connected with the rest of the country.

[@DJPTEXAS]

All those years going to Yuma Thru Gila Bend AZ and Butterfield Trail gas stop and I never knew who Butterfield was or even the route... Thanks for the education.... Love it.

[@MikeJohnson-ld9rn]

Thanks again Steve. Although I live in Arizona, and have degrees in History and English, I was unaware of this cool place and it’s historical impact! I know you also explore Arizona too, but maybe slip in some more side trips here when time permits. I think that I know a lot about Arizona, but then you’ll do a video about us and I realize that there are still many places I was unaware of , had never visited before,or had forgotten about. ( 76 years old here). Thanks for doing the leg work for me .

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Hopefully I'll be back in Arizona soon. There are so many great places to see there.

[@N5877wGabby]

A fantastic presentation. Your sense of irony is on point. Also your gift of a gentle but clear speaking voice draws the lister in. I love that there is no sensationalism or overblown urban myths. Thank you Steve.

[@SpanishEclectic]

This was a special treat for me, Steve! Thank you for searching out and sharing the vintage photos. I've done a lot of research and reading on the Pony Express and stagecoach travel/mail delivery during the period right before and during the Civil War. Business was as 'cut throat' then as it is now, if not more so. I visited the station at Carrizo Creek many years ago. Reading old letters, diaries, and other personal accounts helps us understand what it was like, and why many people never traveled more than 100 miles from where they were born. I agree that adobe covered by wood, and a building used at least through the introduction of gasoline powered vehicles, kept it intact while abandoned adobes 'returned to the earth'. Many of those buildings (San Diego Mission, etc.) were reconstructed between the 1880s and 1940s. I have a great book you might like: Images of America Series-Historic Stage Routes of San Diego County by Ellen L. Sweet and Lynne Newell. It includes a number of photos of Oak Grove, as well as some information on the Bell family, who owned it until the 1950s. Great job. Cheers from a San Diego native!

[@josef9001]

See its the little things you include in your videos that make them that much more enjoyable. The woodpecker. It made me laugh..its sad that this amazing site cannot be accessed by the public. Thankyou for your videos.

[@Vashti0825]

I lived out there for quite some time. It's beautiful country loaded with history. If you want some solid history about the area, a lovely book called "Indian Lover" is a great way to fall in love with the surroundings.. which, imo, hasn't changed a ton.. especially out there by Lake Henshaw and headed out to Ranchita

[@trumer-and-co]

I wasn't aware of this out there and probably passed it many times. I do recall the remains of a Butterfield stage stop in a private park behind an industrial center in San Marcos. Thanks again for another cool history lesson.

[@ericharris197]

I think that is a pony express station in San Marcos ,not a Butterfield station. There used to be remains of one off El Camino Real in Lacosta. But they bulldozed it when they widened the road many years ago.

[@craftinandstampinwithcarrieb]

My grandparents lived in Sunshine Summit for many years. I grew up going with them to events at the Oak Grove Community Club across the street from this station. The house in the background of your intro was where my friends lived. Thanks for the wonderful trip down memory lane

[@MountainFisher]

Next time you head out to a place like that station call the local county seat and see if the local Parks administration has jurisdiction and if they can open it up for you. I did that once when I saw a road going to a lighthouse that was gated off and because I was disabled they gave me the key to open the gate, but lock it behind me so no one else could follow me in. Saved me a two mile walk past an old neighborhood where only the cement foundations were left from being wiped out by hurricanes. The area had been returned to native plants and brush.

[@richardmoramarco6754]

My uncle lived on Pala-Temecula Road at the Riverside county line. Across the road was a building that was supposed to be a station for the Butterfield stage now privately owned.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Temecula was a more substantial station that had hot meals available from what I understand.

[@CactusAtlas]

Very cool! Always wanted to see an old coach stop. And the integration between tree and roof! Very cool looking. Shame it wasn't open, but hopefully, as you said, it will open in the future. Would LOVE to poke around and take a peek inside!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yeah, normally you just get to see what's left of the walls. Its incredible this one has lasted so long.

[@janblake9468]

I passed by this station many times in the late 1950's-early 1960's while on my way to/from Anza-Borrego. It never seemed to be open.

[@DonBradway]

This video brought back so many memories! My family has 317 acres less than 3 miles northwest of Oak Grove on the N/E side of 79, right across from what may still be a large horse ranch.. The property was homesteaded in the 1900s and was a great place hang out over the years. We'd go to Oak Grove for groceries but more often to Aguanga. Thanks for this video and all the others you've been doing. I'm binging on your channel currently. ;-)

[@johnkaper1129]

It's been.awhile since we walked the stage station, it was pretty cool inside with lots of antiques. You used to be able to sit at those picnic tables outside and have lunch. We pass it quite often on our way to Julian, thank you for sharing!

[@buzzradio1]

I used to live in Warner Springs! Brings back some memories for sure.

[@brucebarnes9638]

Amazing piece of history Steve. Having lived in San Diego county for decades, i have driven past this building many times and had no idea it was there. Thank you.

[@rwfetterman2546]

As always, another good story of our local Southern California past. Nice job getting the shots through the fence and archival photos included enhance the story. Thank you Steve.

[@gingerriviera3654]

This was a cool video, and even given the gates were not open you got really awesome footage. Thanks for posting. Like that Life metaphor.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

The type of fence made it easy thankfully. I'm glad it was visible and not hidden away.

[@GONNALIVEHIKING]

ive lived in SD for the last 8 years now, watching all your videos makes me want to get out and explore more

[@michaelsimonds2632]

Another excellent documentary, Mr. Adventures.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@jens.9155]

Thank you for sharing pieces of history. Loved the Oak Grove sign describing the population, it gave me a giggle😊. Who knows when that was last updated too. ❤

[@MichaelTitera]

A very informative video, San Diego Steve! 2 or 3 grouches, that cracked me up. 😂 Thanks for the history lesson. I hope you get to visit inside someday soon.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I'd be surprised if that population number is still correct, probably only 1 grouch out there now.

[@MichaelTitera]

@@SidetrackAdventures, might be the person who closed the station. 🤥

[@garthbutton699]

You did an excellent job taking video through the fence and even better with your narration, thanks for all you do🤗😎🤗😎

[@billofrightsamend4]

I was distracted and wasn't listening to the audio. The shot at 4:44, that just sums up CA in one picture. It's the state that's the over protective mom. That would be a great t-shirt...So California. Very nice.

[@socalpal8416]

Fascinating video Steve. (I had no idea that Wells Fargo had a hostel takeover of Mr. Butterfield's interests.) So much amazing history here in our county.

[@johnlafever3162]

It's not a hostile takeover, if the contracted party comes back to the contracting party for help over and above the original contract in supplying funds to build out the needed infrastructure. In other words, his plan was feasible, but his bid was too low, not taking into full consideration needed costs. He was in financial trouble and Wells Fargo had to take over the project. After two years Wells Fargo was probably into it for as much as they contracted for, so they probably settled with him, cut him a check for his time and they went their separate ways.

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

nice Job Steve. I think a lot of people would have turned around and said "forget this video". Maybe someone will take some ownership for it, or maybe you can find out who is maintaining it. Hopefully a benevolent Historical society!

[@heyoldman2003]

very good Steve . i like the tree through the roof trick 😎 not many survive.risky to say the least.. take care n stay safe 👍🏼

[@dsrtdwg1501]

Another great Sidetrack Adventure. Thank you Steve, your time and effort are appreciated.

[@petecollins4925]

I reckon the place is owned by one of the 2 or 3 grouches who live in Oak Grove and they don't want any visitors! Another interesting slice of American history, thanks Steve.

[@cynthiarenfroe8004]

Steve,,I enjoy historic places ,, you would like to see the Gilman Ranch built in the 1800,s it was a stage coach stop as well and there's a museum and the original stage coaches are still there and a adobe house it's located in Banning California ,,go check it out you will enjoy the land and you are allowed to bring a pic lunch there ,, thanks for the road trip videos

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I'll look into it for sure.

[@MariusKnudsen]

I love the relaxed music in the background off your videos 😉😉👌👌 Greeting from Norway

[@grandmakellymcdonald]

Let’s go let’s go adventure 💕🌺👵✌️

[@scottpartlow8912]

That is a beautiful drive, the old stage coach route, it still feels old, like days past.....

[@JP-su8bp]

Another solid visit to a lesser known site. Thank you.

[@dotsheffers6577]

Thank you for all your adventures!

[@ScratchGlass9]

Hi Steve !!! Wow, blast from the past. We lived across 76 from Lake Henshaw, behind the closed "country store" in the late 80s... CRAZY TIMES ! Anyone from that area and those times knows. Thanks for another great trek into our history. Cheers from Detroit. 🇺🇲

[@susanherman3707]

Great research and history. Love the trees and the scenery. Thank you Steve for another great adventure!!😊

[@frankmacleod2565]

Bummer it was closed but nice you could see it from the fence. Great video.

[@sondrajoyce8810]

you were able to get some very good photo's...........THANK YOU!

[@daisyy99]

You did an excellent job of explaining about this historic site.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@AZExpert]

Awesome videos, I was just there learning about this last Saturday. Crazy cool

[@SidetrackAdventures]

That's when I was there!

[@Me97202]

Excellent video. Well filmed. Especially considering it’s thru the fence.

[@rfo1]

Steve-I always enjoy watching your videos. I am always fascinated by the desert, ghost towns, places of historical interest and the like. Keep 'em coming.

[@bostith2236]

Its wonderful learning about the area and places I have not yet been. Thank you

[@anthonycolbourne4206]

Always interesting to hear these stories. These coach road stops in my area go by names like "7 Mile House". There was a hotel there, just 7 miles along from the start of the stagecoach route, and that could be the distance traveled on the first day.

[@maxflyman5435]

Hey, Steve... Big fan of your channel and the stories about the Southwest. Long time viewer, but just recently subscribed. My comment is simply that the one good thing about this place being gated and closed, is at least it hasn't been vandalized by the "taggers"/graffiti artists" like some of the vids I have watched lately, including an older one near my home in Casa Grande, AZ..the Domes. They aren't artists, they are vandals, and its so disappointing to see all of these historic sites treated that way. Thank God for small miracles on the Oak Grove Stage Station. Also, just a couple of quick suggestions in my area...of course the Casa Grande Ruins National Park; the mysterious old Phoenix Mart, and one of my favorites since moving to the area from Phoenix.. The attempt to secede this area and most of the Southwest by a man in the late 1880's, and establish the country of Arizola. Fascinating story. Take care. Love the stories.

[@pisacksen]

Another awesome video. We used to live in Temecula and never realized this.

[@h.a.boswell9617]

I love all the research you do on the places you visit! Very informative

[@RetroRobbin59]

I loved this video. Those trees are awesome.

[@suzanneavila2333]

Dude, excellent job today💚💚💚

[@the_spikerman3764]

Awesome video! Keep them coming my man. I’m up in north county, Let me know if you want to go deeper into the blm in that area or surrounding areas, i’ll be happy to take you out wherever.

[@socalpal8416]

(nice offer Spider. I hope Steve takes you up on it. Lots of hidden gems here in North County.)

[@donaldgossett1736]

Always enjoy your travelogues

[@simonsmall-UK]

Oh my gosh, so much to take in, 👍✌🇬🇧

[@danaowen9014]

You do an amazing job on the history video you shair.

[@andyinsdca]

Yup, driven/ridden past this place many times without realizing it was there! Now I know to at least look for it and maybe stop for a photo or 2.

[@OpieDogie]

I went inside that building once way back in the day. I remember when they were getting that building all sweetened up to open as a sort of museum but I only saw it as a look through the windows type of place.

[@urbanmusicgal9075]

I love your getaways! They are so refreshing, and can actually transform a hard day into a pleasant day instead.

[@MCTeck]

Thank You! Steve! I have driven by there 100's of times, and still do on my motorcycle. Never noticed.

[@TheStuport]

What A Great Field Trip Steve! I'm always excited when you appear in my mailbox. I'm well aware that down the road there might be a few Hump Days where you have pressing matter to deal with but The Sidetrack Adventure Riders can find something cool to watch from your video Library to tide us over! To get mail delivered in 3 plus weeks was considered a luxury back in those days! Horse Teams and Drivers were exchanged but those poor travelers just had to endure! I really am glad this Historic Station is still preserved and will continue to be taken care of as this nation is losing way too many Structures on a daily basis! Loved Woody The Woodpecker too! 🤣That Sign @ 4:45 was a perfect example of life indeed! MOO From COW-lumbus, Ohio👋

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I can just imagine sending someone a letter and waiting nearly 3 months for your reply! Thank you for all your support.

[@johna1160]

Loved the "metaphor for life" comment.

[@sbgroen]

Steve, mind if I use this metaphor for life on social media?

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Go for it.

[@jake9705]

Great vid as usual, love the historical context you provided.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@thegathering3322]

Thanks Steve, someone should re-open this for tours nice video

[@worthweant6993]

I love your channel, glad I found you. It's great history, love how you research the topic, and location! It's so refreshing to watch something about history, not politics, thankyou!

[@choppermontana8212]

Nice job! I need to swing by and check that out!

[@philnewton2011]

We really appreciate your work. It's valuable and fun. Thank you!

[@leealtmansr.3811]

Thank you for the history. 👍

[@Last_one_before_I_go]

Pretty cool piece of California history. Thanks Steve, for doing these.

[@conniewojahn6445]

Another great video and research. Interesting how some places survive and others don't. I'm guessing unless there's a monetary reward for preservation, such as a paying tourist attraction, then good-bye slowly over time. Nice you could document this before it goes away. Thank you.

[@c.keefer332]

Very well done!

[@popperbits]

Nice video. There are 2 stations on the south section of S2 that are more accessible to the public that area has lots of civil war era monuments along with box canyon monument that one is incredible

[@nrock6066]

Really enjoy your content Steve! We have learned so much about places we never knew existed and we are over 60 year residents of California. Thanks again!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I really appreciate it.

[@cowboykody6775]

Another good video from you. Thank you

[@mercedithcompala8148]

Wonderful film, thank you 😅

[@ChrisW-17]

Oak Grove looks much the same in your video as I remember when visiting in the mid 80s, except the new wall/fencing. And actually quite the same even in the old photos. If anything, its a stunning drive along the stage route between Ocotillo and Temecula. I know the road headed north along Temescal Canyon toward Corona, but not sure where after that.

[@dezertraider]

EXCELLENT!THANK YOU STEVE..

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@kayezelinski1275]

Love your videos. Interesting, simple and provides a nice break in my day. Thanks! 😊

[@bobcoats2708]

Wow! I drove past that last week and never knew. Great research and presentation as always, Steve. Will echo the other comment that hopefully it can be preserved. It looks to be in great condition now, but it won’t stay that way without help.

[@glennjudd2467]

Very interesting ! Definitely worth seeing !

[@lohphat]

Like the Lahaina fire showed us, these fragile buildings are vulnerable to total destruction. These are the ties to our collective history and need protection -- especially clearing of brush and proper fire suppression retrofits.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

It's amazing that it's here with some of the fires that have happened over the years.

[@charlesrives9092]

Thanks for the video. Very cool.

[@Thecorgially]

Love the history of the stagecoach. So glad to see this is still in good shape and hopefully will reopen. I understand there used to be a stagecoach route on Catalina Island.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

There was. I did a video on looking (unsuccessfully) for bison on Catalina and you can briefly see the ruins from one of the buildings the stage would go to.

[@Jimo368]

Your videos are very interesting. Engals Coach shop has some great videos on building “mud wagons” probably similar to what was used here.

[@lifewithjosef]

3:10 TIL that Firebaugh was named Firebaugh's Ferry. I've ridden through Firebaugh more than once. I was out that way last year, I turned south on CA-79 from S-2, instead of north. Your vlog gives me another reason to head back that way. As always...

[@SidetrackAdventures]

To be fair, the S2 is probably a better drive.

[@lifewithjosef]

@SidetrackAdventures I took it end to end, starting in Ocotillo. It was an excellent ride. I rode through San Ysabel and Julian, then on S-1 to Old US-80, and back to El Centro. Nothing but beautiful riding.

[@randyalbright7212]

Outskirts of San Diego still has remnants of historical significance.

[@DW-qe7qe]

Maybe one of the grouches has a key to the place. Great video.

[@daveh4283]

Great video Steve