Rafael Rivera - Nevada Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

Inscription:
Rafael Rivera

This historical marker commemorates the valor and service of pioneer scout Rafael Rivera, the first Caucasian of record to view and traverse Las Vegas valley. Scouting for Antonia Armijo's sixty man trading party from Abiquiu, N.M. in January 1830. Young Rivera ascended Vegas Wash twenty miles east of this marker and blazed a route to the Mojave River in California by way of the Amargosa River.

Rivera's pioneering route became a vital link in the Old Spanish Trail, with Las Vegas Springs a most essential stop on this popular route to southern California. John C. Fremont mapped the trail in 1844. Three years later, following an extension of the course to Salt Lake Valley, the route became known in this area as the Mormon Trail. Today the Old Spanish Trail closely parallels inter-state route #15.

State Historical Marker No. 214
Division of Historical Preservation and Archology
Erected by the Rafael Rivera Monument Committee and Patriotic Citizens

Marker Title (required): Rafael Rivera Marker Number (If official State Marker from NV SHPO website above, otherwise leave blank): 214 Marker Text (required): This historical marker commemorates the valor and service of pioneer scout Rafael Rivera, the first Caucasian of record to view and traverse Las Vegas valley. Scouting for Antonia Armijo's sixty man trading party from Abiquiu, N.M. in January 1830. Young Rivera ascended Vegas Wash twenty miles east of this marker and blazed a route to the Mojave River in California by way of the Amargosa River. Rivera's pioneering route became a vital link in the Old Spanish Trail, with Las Vegas Springs a most essential stop on this popular route to southern California. John C. Fremont mapped the trail in 1844. Three years later, following an extension of the course to Salt Lake Valley, the route became known in this area as the Mormon Trail. Today the Old Spanish Trail closely parallels inter-state route #15. County (required): Clark (Las Vegas) Marker Type (required): Full Size (with blue painted mesh) Is Marker Damaged? (required): No Other Marker Type (optional): Not listed Other Damage Type (optional): Not listed URL - Website (optional): Not listed

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