The Gunfight at Campo and The Gaskill Brothers Stone Store

[@williambliss6087]

My Dad was the county surveyor for San Diego County during the 1950s. He always mentioned that Campo was the coldest place to be in the winter. He'd return to our home in San Diego smelling like sage brush after his expeditions into the back country. I have photos of him with his survey party truck in the snows somewhere in the mountains. He loved Julian, California.

[@jagz926]

Always look forward to your new videos. Great job Steve!!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I appreciate that!

[@briancisco1176]

My Wednesdays wouldn't be complete without "Sidetrack Adventures"! Thanks, Steve!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@ScratchGlass9]

Another great trek into history. Thank you Steve for another informative lesson.

[@susanherman3707]

Great video! I am amazed how beautiful the landscape is in Campo. Lots of history there. I never thought of visiting, but I would like to! Thanks for another great tour, Steve. Always look forward to your next adventure!

[@Porsche996driver]

Great find Steve! Coming across California’s Gold like my old favorite Huell Howser!

[@4LowRocks]

I've driven or ridden through Campo so many times but have never stopped. Your videos on the area have given me a reason to spend some time in the area. Great work Steve!

[@JTA1961]

Well said

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Its worth a stop if you find yourself out there. Also, if you take the road to the train museum and go past it you can see a lot of the buildings from the old Camp Lockett.

[@krishavice2655]

Hi STEVE... I enjoy the way you present your stories. Especially how you linger your camera on the things you show us. It's frustrating to be shown something but not have a chance really see it. You are also very knowledgeable about what you're telling us.

[@timjones3094]

Thanks!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I always appreciate all your support.

[@betteh3424]

Nice video, I've lived in El Cajon my whole life and never knew all that. Wow, 2nd biggest shoot-out next to the OK Corral and nobody knows about it, what a shame!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

The OK Corral had better PR people I think.

[@skydiverclassc2031]

You do such great research for your stories. I've driven by there a few times in the past, read the historical marker, but never realized the extent of the gunfight and aftermath. It's amazing that Gaskill wasn't run out of the county after putting up his "alleged" murder victim's goods for sale. I got curious after seeing the Virginia Dare Beverages advert on the wall, as she was the first European child born in the colonies, only to disappear later. Her name has been used in quite a bit of advertising, as per Wikipedia. Oh, and one last thing - where were all the clowns that were supposed to be on that little rail car? That was so funny. And you got audiobombed at the end, too!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I think that car goes out to check the track in advance of the historic trains that the nearby railroad museum runs. A few minutes later one of those trains came by. I was never in a good spot to get a shot of the historic train though.

[@JuliaIndomita]

Very interesting. Thanks!

[@SpanishEclectic]

Wow!This is so interesting! I had no idea this place was in Campo, and certainly nothing about the gunfight. Thanks for researching this wild bit of local history!

[@TheStuport]

That "Huge Train" in the opening sequence was Vintage Steve Humor! 🤣 I always read your message before watching the video and saw the link for the Story of the Gunfight and naturally I just had to read that first! WOWZERS!! I hope your Fans do take the time to read this as well! I love these types of home spun museums as I like to call them. No Bells or Whistles or Bows, just down to Earth memorabilia of cool things from the past with photos and displays! As many of The Sidetrack Posse have stated in the comment section Steve, YOU my man always Deliver The Goods in explaining the area and guiding us around! I'm grateful for the Support from The Fans in here for you Steve! Cheers From COW-lumbus, Ohio MOO 👋

[@ScratchGlass9]

Go BLUE !!!

[@TheStuport]

@@ScratchGlass9 🤣

[@SidetrackAdventures]

To be fair a normal sized train did come by shortly after. Thank you as always. I always appreciate your comments.

[@ronaldhaugen5967]

Excellent ,I had no idea ,so much history and so little time . Thank you sir

[@1a1u0g9t4s2u]

I travel on Interstate 8 several times a year and have seen the signs for Campo. Did not realize the amount of history associated with the town of Campo. Thanks to your video, I'll have to make time and stop for a visit in Campo. Thanks for sharing.

[@stephenmiller5023]

Thanks for posting this one here . I’ve been going out that way since I was born here in 1960 in San Diego . That whole area is just riddled with curious stories & places to see & visit if one just takes a little time to stop once in awhile & have a look around. One more thing here, I’d like to say “ Thanks “ for your video a couple weeks ago about driving into the Grand Canyon by car to the Colorado river . I passed that video & information to a buddy of mine who lives in Topock Arizona , and he actually went there today !! He’s been sending all sorts of pics & texts about how much he was enjoying it all. That’s one on my own personal Bucket-list to do in future now as well. Stay safe in your travels & adventures & look forward to your next adventure.😎👍

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad to hear that video was helpful. Its such a unique drive down there.

[@aqueousmoments]

I am also from San Diego and a bit older than you. Wasn’t there a facility for juvenile criminals out there? It always seemed like whenever I was goofing off an adult would tell me I would end up in Campo.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

@@aqueousmoments There was, it shut down about 10 years ago or so. It was at the old Army camp.

[@aqueousmoments]

@@SidetrackAdventures , thank you Steve. I love the trips you take and share. Living in Japan now and I can still enjoy days trips in Socal through your videos.

[@Marc_hammil]

I built the new little bridge right in front right in front of that store in 2017 it was awesome taking lunches there and learning about the area

[@maryuline2585]

So enjoy your adventures. Thanks so much!!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you like them!

[@CactusAtlas]

Dang. This missed my attention. Great storytelling as always! It's always so interesting to visit locations in present day knowing the past that occurred there.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yeah, I had always heard of the gun fight, but I didn't realize it was as crazy as it was until the last time I was out there and read the timeline they had.

[@semiproactive9625]

Another fun tour. Thanks Steve. Happy Humpday.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@mariawalsh335]

Love the history. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@partridgestorm]

I rode past this building on my way to Lake Morena. It was closed at the time so I didn't explore. I'm glad you did cause this place looks amazing! I'm guessing we''re probably going to look at the Campo Railway Museum next week. Sorry if I spoil the surprise guys.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

No Railroad Museum next week. I hope to do something there eventually though. I've talked to someone there about it.

[@janblake9468]

Wonderful video covering it's history. I last visited there in the late 1980's.

[@carlcotton1753]

Wow, I grew up in the east county and never heard that story! Thank you for sharing.

[@jerrysullivan8424]

Semper Fi

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Its crazy how unknown the story is. They could easily make a movie about it.

[@daveh4283]

Great video Steve

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@wendyshick6689]

Thank you for showing more history on Campo😊

[@SidetrackAdventures]

You're welcome!

[@aspitofmud6257]

Great job Steve!👍💯🤠

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@handimanjay6642]

There is more to that area’s story as told in a book about Pine Valley history. Bandits made regular raids in the Campo area. To deter them and defend themselves loaded pistols, rifles, and shotguns were placed throughout the businesses in the area. When trouble came to Campo the town defended itself quite well and bandits stop coming.

[@heyoldman2003]

another great history lesson 😎. your doing good Steve 👍🏼 thank you again for taking the time and effort so we could see how it was “ back in the day”😎

[@RetroRobbin59]

Great video as always Steve. Thanks for taking us along.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ScottDLR]

High point of my day. Thanks for posting Steve.

[@TheRunningFatGuy]

Who knew!? Thanks again Steve for another great story and glimpse into Southern California history.

[@tomdrewenskus8167]

Steve, you did not mention that Campo is also the southern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail. There is a marker for it right at the border in Campo.

[@RoyADane]

Yep. I start my NoBo Throughhike on April 4th. If I have time, I might check this out.

[@tomdrewenskus8167]

@@RoyADane Best of luck. By The Book ‘06 ‘09

[@JTA1961]

This guy is actually pretty good...& whom ever was strummin didn't leave me bummin. Thanks KZbin for throwin this my way.

[@danno3497]

You have quite a few hours of watching to catch up Very interesting videos Steve has put out!

[@RWX348]

Fantastic history lesson! Thank you for posting. 👍

[@jerroldkazynski5480]

That far southwest corner of California has so much history. Neat video!

[@lauriechristmas5494]

Great video 💯❤️ … Love this … Great true story I had never known … You always have great videos … Have learned a lot … Keep them coming ❤️💯💯🙏😁😁🌹🌴🌴🌴🌴🌵🤠🤠

[@kennethdoughty644]

Went by The Rock store a hundred times !!!! Never stopped and Now I'm in Northern Arizona exploring this Tremendous Area !!!! Down the Road Amigo !

[@johnpurdum8126]

Lots of fascinating history in Campo! Liking this series of the area. Wondering if you will visit the railroad museum there since it played a big part in settling the area. See you next week.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I'd like to do a video on the railroad museum sometime. Hopefully before too long.

[@williamarcher3325]

Steve, I used to live in El Centro. I can barely walk, so thx for the tours I can't see for myself.

[@deanjennings5684]

Thanks, Steve, for your content. I really like your music.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

The music in this one is called Old Dirt Road by Bo the Drifter from Epidemic Sounds.

[@stephenrothwell8142]

One of your best videos so far. I enjoyed the personal touch about the people involved.

[@garlicgalore]

Thank you for showing me cool places I might not otherwise see!

[@davidzamora4423]

I love the places that you go to. Thank you again for sharing your videos video's with us.😊

[@Coltbreath]

Thanks Again for great stories and places to visit!

[@rickkaylor8554]

Really enjoyed this video. You always visit the most interesting places.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@craftergin]

What a great video! Thanks, Steve!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you liked it!

[@elizabethbogle3533]

What a great story!

[@mchume65]

I live not far away, and I have been there a few times. But my visits were on weekdays and the museum is only open on Saturday and Sunday.

[@kandes49]

Enjoy all your videos, you’re a wonderful story teller!

[@Garydigsit]

this is awesome as usual steve 😊

[@KB6YAF]

My cousin lives in Campo. I shared your first video with him, and he filled in some blanks. Thanks Steve for you fine work. .......Russell D.

[@jetsons101]

Enjoyable from start to finish........ Great narration and background music.

[@1bobbylarue]

LOVE this one! can't wait for my next trip over the hill, gonna check this out.

[@franciscoflores7911]

Growing up in San Diego I would often hear that the bad kids from the neighborhood would get sent to "Campo". I wonder if it's the same place.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

It was. They used to have a center in some of the old Camp Lockett buildings, but they closed it about 10 years ago or so.

[@josecampos7157]

It was Rancho Del Campo for boys 12-19 with sentences over 30 days. It used the buildings from Camp Lockett's army hospital about half a mile south of the stone store. It closed in 2015 due to county budget shortfall and all inmates were sent to Barrett honor camp in eastern Jamul, southeast of Alpine.

[@andreajohnson1796]

Interesting ! Thanks for sharing Steve

[@doopypew]

Just came across your channel by trying to find something interesting to watch while I sip coffee. This is an outstanding channel! Great job!

[@Thecorgially]

Learned a lot and the stone store certainly as you said is worth a visit if in the area.

[@roncarguy72]

Thank you Steve for a really neat story of our distant past.

[@purplemoose6431]

Very interesting place . Nicely done video.

[@IndridCool54]

Thanks Steve!

[@stevef.8041]

Another great video. You somehow just keep them coming. Love your channel!

[@barbaramai7610]

Interesting story, very well told!!

[@brentnearhood8874]

Thanks! Steve🚗

[@grahamsteamer3419]

Awesome video and rundown! You make awesome videos and visit the most interesting places. Keep up the good work!!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@jimh598]

I love your work and always look forward to the next episode!

[@jeffpayne2675]

Dude...I love your videos. Thanks!!

[@reneejones7807]

That’s one of coolest videos I’ve seen in a while!! Gotta check it out next time I’m in San Diego.

[@kenbearsley8322]

You would be a dam fine tour guide. You go to a lot of interesting out of the way places. My wife and i live in New Zealand. Yes, we'd go to a few typical tourist trap places, i find places like this one is more interesting and has more history to it. The locals are probably a lot more friendly as well. Would probably enjoy getting the 'out of town' dollars more as well.

[@RobertDeloyd]

Again, thank you so much for such a fine historical video

[@nancyd2240]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@gregcavalieri4920]

I like these segments.. relaxing and educational...Thank you

[@AndyMetz-x6q]

Outstanding video, one of your best, Steve

[@MikeJohnson-ld9rn]

I have been to Tombstone (O K Corral) several times, but I was not familiar with the Gaskell Stone Store gun battle.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yeah, I think its pretty unknown. The Earps were better at PR.

[@jeffbrennan3546]

Steve. Great videos.

[@davevan8864]

Another great visit to overlooked history!!! thx

[@wolfeadventures]

Love this story!

[@glennbellman1100]

We went there about 10 years ago, neat place. The Potrero campground 10 miles west of Campo is a nice place to camp.

[@lauriechristmas5494]

PS … Loved when the RR crossing was having a train coming through .. I was as surprised as much as you … With that itty bitty rail car … Still laughing ❤️😂🤣😂🤣💯

[@stevemergy6087]

Good story! Great history lesson. Well done video! Thanx!

[@kristinakahila8914]

Very good well done video.

[@billbeyatte]

Great report

[@Psalms20A21]

🧠Thank You, nice tour, very interesting and informative!

[@davidc3648]

Nice video and narrative. I took the train from Campo to Mexico more than once, when it ran. It sounds like the freight still runs thru' there.

[@thomaslovejoy4368]

enjoy your videos, thanks much

[@johnjaco5544]

Thank you.

[@dezertraider]

THANK YOU STEVE..SAFE TRAVELS

[@aaronandraquel]

I haven't been there for years. Time to go back

[@paulratto8638]

Another great, well researched video !

[@paulsmodels]

That was interesting, thanks for the tour!

[@1FroogleScout]

Love your videos Steve! Have you ever thought of doing one about Dogpatch which used to be on the outskirts of Campo? I used to frequent it in the mid '70s until I went overseas. I believe it burned down it the early to mid '80s.

[@Liddledriver]

Love this stuff! Keep it coming

[@Jbennyho]

Excellent!

[@terryminion7784]

Love your videos. Great work!

[@superman9772]

those banditos were kinda the last of the vasquez gang (the vasquez rocks are named for him as it one of their hideouts and vasquez rocks is also where the old star trek filmed)... now, as a kid growing up outside of yuma, the story of the glanton gang with the infamous judge holden and lincoln's gold was something i always tried to hunt down... never found lincoln's gold but the search took me stomping around the colorado river bend just west of yuma (where the glanton gang massacre happened) to quartzside (hi jolly's homestead) to all over the cerro gordo/owens lake area and to even santa monica blvd in west hollywood (greek george's home on the la brea ranch)... i viewed one of sidetrack's video about stanwix station in arizona and that's where chavez (chavez was vasquez's second command of the gang) was killed while trying to run away from capture and then his body was taken to yuma where his head was removed for proof of death for a california warrant ... the connection between the vasquez gang and the glanton gang was the infamous judge holden .... judge holden was a very mysterious and uniquely bloody outlaw and no one ever really knew how he escaped the glanton gang massacre (which started the yuma war which bankrupt the state of california) but ol' timers told me that the judge holden rode with vasquez and that's why the vasquez gang was so bloody and so i figured that the judge hid that gold somewhere with the vasquez loot .... btw stanwix station is kinda close to where the oatman massacre happened which was indirectly caused by the bloody actions of the glanton gang against native americans...and all that wasn't the most bloody story about that area... that'd be the henry crabb massacre that started just outside of present day, wellton, az but ended in sonora, mexico...now, that's a bloody story

[@danielrodriguez-qv2je]

Great video....i just move to this area

[@sntstafford]

I enjoy your videos. My two questions are: where are the graves of the banditos and is the tree at the top of the stone stairs the “hanging tree”?

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I don't know if anyone knows exactly where the graves are now. When the new stone store was built they either built over them or they are unmarked somewhere. If someone knew the exact layout of the original store they could likely narrow down the location. The hanging tree came down in 1975.

[@sntstafford]

@@SidetrackAdventures Thank you. Keep up the good work,

[@701duran]

I've passed that building my whole life on the way to Tecate had no idea about the gunfight.

[@rrelectric5159]

Nice bit of obscure history! While in Campo did you get to the railroad museum?

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I didn't visit on this trip.