Journey to Old California - A Tour of Fort Tejon

[@Mike_Greentea]

I like places like this with no crowds!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

We we're alone for at least two hours, aside from the chickens.

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

I live close to Ft Tejon but have never stopped by there. Once most people get on the Grapevine, they just want to get over the mountains. Thanks for a good episode!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

If you have an extra hour or so, it's worth a stop, but I'm normally the same way, I'm either thankful to be out of the LA traffic or wanting to hurry to get through LA before rush hour starts.

[@joehawley-r9u]

My father first took me to the Fort in 1964, when I was 7 years old. We visited it many times each year and I continue to do so as much as distance allows. My father was an amateur historian and did a lot of research on the Fort. Your video is the best I've seen. Many of the other videos are just plain ignorant with some disinformation. I am grateful for your video.

[@cdd4248]

What a great endorsement!

[@mobiltec]

And now we know where the "Grapevine" got it's name. Thanks especially for that one Steve.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

You are welcome!

[@carolstevens9369]

Hi Steve!! Just wanted you to kmow that I love your channel. I love history and love the way you give all the info !! Keep it up!! Im watching every episode i cant get enough!! 😊

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that!

[@jerroldkazynski5480]

Nice video history lesson, Steve. Although I've passed thru on I-5 many times, I never stopped to check it out. And Thanks to Tejon Ranch for donating the Fort to California, and to California for preserving the buildings and structures.

[@rogertemple7193]

This was really nice having Fort Tejon to yourselves to explore and there was a lot of interesting things there to look at with beautiful scenery and the visitors center had an awesome small museum about the area and the countryside in that part of California thanks again Steve.🌍🗺🇺🇲

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yeah, just us and the chickens. Never saw anyone else in the couple hours we were there.

[@bender7565]

Getting that crow to stroll behind you during the opening was something! Well done.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I had no idea until I was editing. I was trying to time filming to when a loud semi wasn't passing by.

[@nancyaltimus6794]

Skills!​@@SidetrackAdventures

[@ismeon]

Hi Steve! Thank you so much for all the videos, my wife and I love watching them. Living in San Diego makes it fun to see these places in person.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you guys enjoy them!

[@rjohnson1690]

Every year in January we do a highly authentic living history portraying Co B and G of the 2nd California Volunteer Infantry. We have members travel in from OR, WA, AZ, BC and other western states. We portray this unit close to numerically what would have been stationed at Tejon at the time. The participants sleep in the barracks, eat the same food, drill, do inspections, and fatigue detail. It’s a 48 hour to the last detail portrayal of a garrison soldier in the West.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

That sounds like it would be incredible to see.

[@rjohnson1690]

@ Jan 31-Feb 2nd. Come check it out.

[@brianbonilla4830]

I remember going from Fresno to visit family in LA. We always stopped in Bakersfield and bought stuff for sandwiches and had picnics at Fort Tejon. Best memories.

[@Original50]

As far as remembering the guy who got killed by a bear is concerned - Oscar Wilde had a great quote; 'The only thing worse than being talked-about is NOT being talked-about!' 😆

[@SidetrackAdventures]

True. Whoever carved the inscription brought Mr. Lebeck some immortality.

[@Duane-l3f]

I have passed that place many times and never knew a thing about it. I will check it out next time I go up interstate 5. You never cease to amaze me Steve.

[@garyzweigle5860]

As many times that I passed by there as a truck driver connecting Los Angeles to San Francisco I never knew all this was there, or the history it held. Thank you for enlightening me and others of what treasures are just off to the sides of well beaten paths that we travel.

[@JohnCouch-m4f]

Love those Chickens! Pretty smart yard birds right there. Thanks Steve for another entertaining video!

[@fredhanosky6176]

I imagine a buddy or two met their demise to a hawk and they learned fast.

[@TheShornak]

Thanks Steve for showing us Fort Tejon. I have driven by there over 100 times and have never stopped there. Always had a limit to get to my destination.

[@Buzzygirl63]

I just love visiting these little, local history museums and parks. I'm glad I can learn of the ones in your area for the next time I'm down that way. Cheers!

[@roypublic3269]

Of all the years growing up in Socal, driving the old "Ridge Route" road, then the I5 and going past Ft Tejon to visit the grandparents in Bakersfield, we never stopped in to see what was there. Now I wish we had. Sidenote: We always refered to the large downhill of the freeway coming out of the mountains as "The Grapevine." BTW: Lake Isabella Kern River Vally is just a couple hours away from there. Indian massacre, ghost town etc. And you can get a Great lunch at the VFW in Lake Isabella for $8. Another gem Steve.

[@kevinslater4126]

I've driven through the "Grapevine" a million times as a kid and never knew how it got its name until today.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I was hoping to see a grapevine up there, but unfortunately I didn't.

[@jetsons101]

In the wintertime that area is beautiful, summertime a bit hot. lol Love small museums like the one in the barracks, they have a more personal feel than large--over organized museums. Los Angeles a "small town" really made me giggle. Went there YEARS ago, maybe time to go again, "with my grandson of course."

[@SidetrackAdventures]

A couple of years ago it was covered in snow when I drove through. It looked amazing.

[@jetsons101]

@@SidetrackAdventures My family and I ride dirt bikes/offroad real close to the fort, there is a huge OHV west of the 5 and a bit south.

[@SPak-rt2gb]

Thanks for the tour. Never visited the Fort when I lived out that way.

[@petehealy9819]

Wow, Steve, thank you for another great video! This Cali boy is among the millions who have driven right by there without stopping countless times. Been living in Northern KY the last 20yrs, but on my next annual visit to my home state, I'll visit Ft Tejon! Thanks again!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

If you have an hour to kill when driving by, it's worth the visit.

[@bmepdoc9675]

Been a resident of relatively nearby Elizabeth Lake since 1975. Steve, I highly recommend a short trip north of where you are, just off of highway 166, to the Wind Wolves Preserve. At 93,000 acres, it's the largest preserve on the entire west coast. It is also where the San Emigdio trail connected the San Joaquin Valley to all lands south, It is the very first original, Grape Vine Pass where notable outlaws like Tiburcio Vasquez and Joaquin Murrieta (Robin Hood of the West) plied their trade. It ties in beautifully........ and accentuates this part of your 'journey'.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I will definitely look into it. I plan on getting back to the area soon. There's something else nearby I'd like to check out as well.

[@shelzp7272]

@@SidetrackAdventuresIdk if you’ve done a video about the San Francisquito Dam disaster yet which isn’t too far from Fort Tejon, really an interesting and sad story about Mulholland and the LADWP

[@IceLynne]

I see you finally made it to Lebec! ☺ The video came on while I was doing something and when I came to see what was playing it was you looking up those white stairs which I recognized immediately! lol. Thank you for showing Fort Tejon and I hope we get some visitors. It's especially nice in the spring when everything is green. Wow, towards the end of the video you show a clip from a News Paper called the San Pedro News Pilot and I grew up in San Pedro! 😆 Side note: you should go to San Pedro and tour the military base up by the Korean Bell, it's been there a long long time...I think before the Civil war or there abouts.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

I’ve driven past the ranch a number of times, going over the pass, and never stopped. Thanks for this tour!

[@toymaster5464]

Hey Steve. I visited Fort Cajon some while back. We were on our way to a huge ranch nearby to do some hog hunting. Bagged a good size one too. The fort was very interesting and great to explore. Hope you and your family had a great holidays. Thanks for the video too!

[@bmepdoc9675]

Tejon. The Cajon pass is to the east of here. Cajon Pass is a mountain pass between the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains and the route of the Old Spanish Trail. Don't know of a fort in Cajon.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I didn't even think about hogs being in the area, but that makes sense. There is a feral pig problem in San Diego County too.

[@toymaster5464]

@SidetrackAdventures I think the place was or is called Cajon Ranch which i think was over 100K acres. It was sometime ago.

[@drgruber57]

Back in the late 1990s, my wife and I took our three kids there as a homeschool field trip. Now I want to revisit it. Thanks Steve!

[@southbaysurplus]

My Dad used to do Civil war reenactments here. Thanks, Steve, nothing but good memories. Always appreciate your content- and looking forward to the next adventure!

[@samiam619]

What unit did he portray? I was there from about 85 to 95. Union, of course.

[@davidelack8809]

We have driven by it 10+ times had no idea it was there. darn shame. thanks for featuring the place.

[@georgebailey6307]

Thanks for posting Steve. I travel regularly from San Buenaventura to Modesto and always wondered about the Fort, I most definitely will stop now! Welcome to our backyard..

[@notvernon]

Thank you so much for covering this place!!! I was always curious what I was anytime I was headed up north or coming back to LA.

[@bachscar]

As soon as you climbed the stairs to the second floor of the commanding officer's residence, my first thought was: "A bonus room in an 1850's house? How cool!". As you've shown before, there is a lot of unknown or forgotten history along busy stretches of America's highways and bi-ways, and Ft. Tejon is just one of such places. Nice to see you rocking that new SDFC hat too; the 2025 MLS season will be here before we know it!

[@5150GSD]

I live in Riverside CA I've been wanting to visit the fort for some time now. Great video thank you.

[@leonajameson8902]

What a beautiful valley. You made come alive. Thanks Steve

[@stevenjlovelace]

I'm amazed at how many times the Camel Corps comes up in the places you visit!

[@bostonrailfan2427]

funny enough, you saw the brains behind it’s bedroom! Col. Bealle’s quarters was shown, he’s the man behind the corps

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Especially for how short of time it was around for.

[@stevenhigby3512]

Thank you for bringing history to life. I never knew about that place.

[@douglasmcbryan3705]

Thankyou for the tour. We go by every year and never knew what was there. Nancy

[@harveypeters9015]

Happy New Year, Steve! I really appreciate your channel!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@ClarenceWallace-rv9jl]

My grandmother lived in Bakersfield. When I was a child we sould stop at the fort on the way to visit her. Thanks for bringing back some wonderful childhood memories.

[@josephharnett5075]

I actually camped there for a reenactment several years ago exploring the grounds and everything in it great placed to stayed beautiful nights of course been by there several times living just 60 miles south of it I allways wanted to go back outside of the freeway noise very peaceful it was in the summer but in the winter it can get pretty cold and even snow thanks for presenting it brought back some memories

[@charlesyell6318]

Thank you for your continued effort to share with us times and places that is part of mostly lost history.

[@pisacksen]

another awesome video.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@paulsmodels]

Driven by this place countless times. Thanks for the tour.

[@Lucedelsole269]

Thanks Steve! When I saw the title of this video, I had to watch it. I had a Chihuahua named Tejon! Thanks for the information and great views!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Sounds like a great name for a dog.

[@michaelberger8137]

Reminds me of the time my wife and I visited Fort Simcoe in Eastern Washington. We had the place to ourselves that day as well.

[@whackamolechamp]

Your videos are top notch Steve. Congrats Steve on the number of subscribers you have! Been following you since you began. Thanks for another video, very informative as always.

[@mikewhite2aadvocacy172]

I've passed by Fort Tejon hundreds and hundreds of times on the 5 Freeway, but I just never have had the time to stop except for now threw you

[@SidetrackAdventures]

If you have an extra hour or so to kill, its worth the stop.

[@angelmist4253]

Looks really interesting. Hubs and I will have to get up there for a visit. Thanks for the heads up on the poison oak! RIP Mr Lebek.🎉

[@tef_newalbionpacificmedia]

I am a bit busy so rarely comment on any program I see on You Tube, but yours is one of my favorites, and why? For starters, I am a 7th generation Californio, and native of San Diego and even though I live in exile here in Florida where I have a very comfortable semi-retired life, I love the trips down memory lane with you, thanks Steve! As for Fort Tejon, know it well, back in the 60s I went up there every month to volunteer to put on living history programs when not working out at the studio ranch in 1000 Oaks. Back then the barracks was totally set up as an 1850s army barracks and we just set up and worked out of there. There were no glassed off rooms. The fireplace even worked and on cold winter nights we enjoyed the warmth and ambiance. Enjoy your history lessons also on the show, you usually get it right. My first film job was with the San Diego Historical Society [I was a chapter president], and the film was for the 1769-1969 California Bicentennial. Great fun, shot it mostly in Old Towne and some out in the county. Also, as for the post's cemetery, well some time back a lot of military graves were dug up and moved to the new Fort Rosecrans cemetery up on Point Loma [where a lot of my family going back to the Spanish American War are buried]. Just visited there a few months ago. OK, have to go, carry on Steve, good show, but try to keep your shadow out of the shots, and love the drone work!

[@WillySmith-sd4em]

Another interesting history lesson. It is always handy to have a middle schooler around for scale comparisons! Excellent planning, Steve. I love seeing the early photographs of the places that you visit. Thanks again.

[@AaronWebsterII]

YEAH! Finally! Haha... been waiting for this one! Hi Steve! 🙋‍♂️

[@LendMe-v4e]

Never stopped but always see it…it’s either coming home from up north and so freaking tired you want to get home you just pass it and hurry through the mountains and Los Angeles and no mood to site see anymore…by the time vacation is over everyone is grouchy and wants to just go home. We stopped off at Anderson pea house up on the 5 and it was closing at 9pm…I drove all the way home to San Diego in 5 hours..that’s how tired and done we all were with the road trip.

[@rrhondell]

Love your videos and being able to see these places and hear their stories. And I love it when things amuse you like that bear statue.

[@robertrouzaud9814]

Growing up in LA, I drove past this area countless times and never stopped to investigate. Thank you for this look at the past. Something to visit the next time I’m in the area. And thank you for checking on those chickens. Would be a shame to lose them and have the State fall further into debt.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Everyone is always talking about the price of eggs, these chickens could be making the state money! haha

[@ericbingham-kumpfcomposer5293]

Great video! There is so much history about California.

[@anonymustly7818]

Ashamed to admit I've driven past this over 100 times on trips from the SFV to the KernRiver and never stopped. Shame on me. Thanks for taking me there.

[@cdd4248]

I have been reading so many comments all saying the same thing...so no shame! ;)

[@brads.3674]

Thank you Steve.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

You are welcome.

[@nilo70]

Thank you Steve ! This is a place I’ve always wanted to visit !

[@rickkaylor8554]

Great video! I really enjoyed it. I stopped here a few years ago but didn't have a lot of time to spend. Just like for you, the day I visited there was no one there. I need to got back and spend more time.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

It's surprising how few people visit, especially considering how many people are passing by.

[@xflyingtiger]

This was a very nice video. thank you.

[@stevenhall2408]

Spent lots of time there as a reenactor going back into the 1970s. The Ft. Tejon Historical Society did civil war battles for the public. One of our group became the resident ranger and was also an army officer. Portrayed a member of the California Column, fired the howitzer and spent many a night on the grounds and in the barracks. We had a great time.

[@KatWoman_]

I’ve noticed this place on road trips and have been curious. Thank you for a great tour.

[@samiam619]

I was a Civil War reenactor there for 11 years. Circa 1985 - 1995. We put on CW battles and Living History once a month for 9 or 10 months of the year. A proud member of the 4th U.S. Infantry under the umbrella of the Ft. Tejon Historical Association. I moved to Michigan in 2000, so there are a lot of new buildings since I was last there. We camped behind the Officers Quarters and the Rebs were down by the parking lot. They had the trees but also the freeway noise.

[@e.f.3207]

Another great video and another fascinating topic. Good job, well done...as per usual

[@cdd4248]

I would have loved to be assigned to this fort...beautiful country homes, views and "boring"; sounds perfect!

[@OldWines]

Once again, excellent work, Steve. For your non-California watchers, you ought to mention the mistletoe.

[@tracyphillips3325]

Hi Steve. Another very interesting video. You are a champ. Keep up the good work.

[@jameswalker9002]

Another we'll done, informative video. Interesting as always. Thanks Steve.

[@thefred8481]

Thanks again Professor…Happy New Year!!! Another great historical presentation…

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Happy New Year to you as well.

[@deplepfan]

I love History,so Steve its right up my kind. Ty Steve

[@jonathanmccool2871]

Back in the early 70s when I-5 first opened, the parking lot was where people driving older cars would pull over to get water for their radiators for the climb up to the pass. Gorman was a long climb up and most cars of the 50s and 60s didn’t have good cooling systems.

[@tomcaldwell5750]

Thank you, Steve another great history video.

[@juliogonzales5441]

GREAT VIDEO STEVE THANKS 😊 👍

[@DarrenBoydraddadlovinlife]

Thank you Steve

[@skydiverclassc2031]

The Fort played a part up in the mountains of Tulare County to the north in 1856. Due to hostilities between the ranchers/settlers and the Tule River Tribe, a pitched battle broke out in the area above Springville (where I used to live). Tribal warriors fortified a small hill on the Tule River and held off successive assaults by the ranchers. They appealed for help, and the Army sent personnel and artillery from Fort Tejon. It was a ~115 mile march/ride, and by the time they arrived (no train service yet), the Indians had packed up during the night and fled into the mountains. The Battle Mountain incident is commemorated by a plaque up in the canyon, and you can look down on the actual hill (on private land).

[@ranchdressing1037]

After finishing hell on wheels show, I'd love more of your take on the railroads out there! ❤

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I've been trying to do something but the timing just hasn't lined up.

[@ranchdressing1037]

@@SidetrackAdventures still premium stuff, wherever the road takes ya!

[@garthbutton699]

Hey steve,great video excellent content as usual and thanks for all your efforts🤗😎🤗😎

[@tonyfranks9551]

Great presentation of a very interesting place....thank you,

[@Corgis175]

Great to visit anytime I'm sure. Most interesting.

[@Chrisb8s]

Great work as always !

[@stanleybridge]

Thanks Steve!

[@kplante7881]

Really good video. Thanks for sharing…!

[@jb6027]

Congratulations on the new hat. Great video!

[@HardwayRanch]

I was there about 23 years ago - lots of improvements since then.

[@sufizmjim]

Beautiful oaks, thanks Steve!

[@carlupthegrove262]

I've been there a couple times but it's been awhile.... Another visit is in order.... thanks

[@valeriegoode9762]

Thanks for sharing.

[@glennjudd2467]

All the yrs driving by & never stop driving across ! Always wonder about it ! Native of long beach! Now in Washington! Wish now i did !

[@Pablo_Del_Norte]

Solid stuff, thanks.

[@Ro6entX]

I’ve passed that place many times but never really had chance to visit. Maybe this summer 👍

[@californiacat9762]

Interesting show. 👍🏼

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@pberg-NC]

This was a great video! One of your arm chair tourist from Charlotte, NC!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@tomuchfunwithgas846]

Thanks Steve.

[@georgeclark7208]

It's interesting in these historical time periods you explore there were people spread out everywhere with some sizable settlements. Now everyone is jammed into the cities or driving the freeway.

[@secretdaisy6484]

I knew about the town of Lebec and Lebec’s death being killed by the grizzly bear. Heard of of the fort but didn’t know anything about it before your video. 👍☮️🌞

[@GregKrynen]

Spent a few years living in the canyon beside Fort Tejon!

[@eman10198]

Hi Steve! Love your videos! Like to see a video about the Saint Francis Dam Disaster.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

You might be happy next Wednesday.

[@kyleohara8700]

Super cool seeing that Butterfield trail schedule. Gila River is probably the Maricopa AZ stop. The town actually used to be a few miles north of where it is now and located on the Gila River. It moved south to align with the railroad when it was built.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

11B. I was in the 82nd Airborne (1/504 PIR).

[@kyleohara8700]

@@SidetrackAdventures I definitely appreciate your service but I believe you may have been trying to reply to someone else. :) Side note related to the army, my daughter just graduated basic training from Fort Jackson and is now at AIT at Fort Gregg-Adams (91B, but she wants to eventually be 15T). During training, she was told her rucksack marches were faster that some of the airborne guys (she's a tough kid, who always tries her best). Love your videos Steve! I can't wait for next week.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

@@kyleohara8700 Sometimes the KZbin Studio on the desktop glitches out and replies to the wrong person. Hopefully it gave whoever asked a reply too lol.

[@SpanishEclectic]

My goal in life is to never be found delicious by bears, lol. Funny that my Google memories photos for today show the hills behind you across the freeway; taken Jan 8th, 2024 on our way to Yosemite. Thanks for showing all of the buildings and displays. It does look like someone just left. We also love visiting places where we are the only people. Years ago we walked around the Historic Park in Fresno Flats (AKA Oakhurst) on our own. The period jail they have is 'maximum security'. The walls are made of boards stacked on top of each other and nailed in place so they are the width of the board, and impossible to break through because of the nails. The grapevine (road) is never a good place to be stuck when it's snowing.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

This is also my goal. I don't want any animal to find me delicious!

[@jeremytuggle6424]

Thanks for the video.