During the
American Civil War, Camp Wright was a
Union Army outpost in the
Pacific Coast Theater of the American Civil War. It was established to protect the route to
Fort Yuma on the
Colorado River, and intercept secessionist sympathizers traveling to the east to join the
Confederate Army.[5] A detachment of
California Volunteer cavalry and infantry first established Camp Wright at
Warner's Ranch near Warner Springs, in October 1861. The cold and windy conditions in the higher altitude of the exposed San Jose Valley caused the commander to change its site to the more sheltered Oak Grove location in November.[6]
At about the same time, the
Dan Showalter party of secessionists were attempting to avoid the post and make their way across the desert to join the
Confederate Army in
Texas. They were pursued from
Temecula by a
1st Regiment California Volunteer Cavalry patrol from Camp Wright, intercepted in the hills west of the San Jose Valley (site of
Warner's Ranch) with the support of a
1st California Infantry detachment from the camp, and captured without shots being fired November 20–29, 1861. After being imprisoned at
Fort Yuma, Showalter and the others were released upon swearing loyalty to the Union. They later made their way to the Confederacy.[7]
The Oak Grove Butterfield Stage Station on its site was registered as a separate California Historical Landmark in 1952.[2] The Oak Grove station was declared a
National Historic Landmark in 1961.[4][9] The location of another nearby station at
Warner's Ranch is also a National Historic Landmark.
Los Angeles – Located 12 miles southeast of Cahuenga Station in the
pueblo of Los Angeles. The 2nd Division headquarters was in a brick building, consisting of an office, blacksmith shop, stables and sheds.
Sackett's Wells – a later station, located 171⁄2 miles east southeast of Carrizo Creek Station, 15 miles west northwest of Indian Wells.
Indian Wells Station – Located 32 miles southeast of Carisso Creek, near present day
Heber, no water except at station.
New River Station – a later station, located 15 miles southeast of Indian Wells Station, in
Baja California, 14 miles west of Alamo Mocho Station, in present day
Mexicali.
Alamo Mocho Station – Located south of the Mexican border in
Baja California, 38 miles east of Indian Wells Station, no water except at station.
Gardner's Wells Station – a later station, located south of the Mexican border in
Baja California, 9 miles east of Alamo Mocho and 9 miles west of Seven Wells.