Departing from Harbor Island in San Diego, we began our journey to Camp Lockett in Campo, California on I-5 North. We took Rt. 94 East which was called the M.L. King Jr. Expressway (for awhile). After a few miles, the freeway exited to the right but we were still on a busy street. At an intersection with a mall, restaurants and theater on one corner and fast food across the street, we turned right to continue on Rt. 94 East. Now the road was two-lanes with a farmers market and a few local businesses along the way. We could see that we were headed over a mountain. The road twisted and turned and there were big boulders occasionally placed on the hillsides to our right and left. We passed a border patrol station where they stop the cars going West on Rt. 94. This road continued for about 20 miles and not far from a sign for Tecate, Mexico - we finally saw the arrived in Campo. To get to Camp Lockett, turn right at Forrest Gate Rd. First, you will notice another border patrol station and a juvenile detention facility but we could see remnants of Camp Lockett – 1940s-style buildings, barracks and stables.
Stables at Camp Lockett
If you miss the turn on Forrest Gate Rd., you will see the Gaskill Brothers’ Stone Store and museum. It is one of the major attractions in the area and is located on the left as you continue east on Rt. 94.
Gaskill Brothers Stone Store
The Museum features exhibits about the history of the Mountain Empire region. Upstairs you will find the history of Camp Lockett which was the last horse cavalry post in the U.S. Army during World War II. It was the home to the 11th (Horse) Cavalry which was an all-white unit and the 10th and 28th (Horse) Cavalry regiments which were all-black units except for the commissioned officers who were white. The Museum is open on the weekends from 11:00 am -5:00 pm but researcher can arrange an appointment to use the archived materials. For more information, call (619) 478-5768. There is a $2.00 admission fee for adults and children can enjoy the museum for free. There is a bookstore with historical publications and gift items.
George & Roger Chalberg, President - Mt. Empire Historical Society
Carmon with Richard Borstadt, Military Museum Curator
Camp Lockett is approximately 50 miles from San Diego but the mountainous
drive takes an hour or so. We noticed that the weather in Campo was different
from San Diego –
it rained hard in Campo but never saw a drop in San Diego. The folks at the
Mountain Empire Historical Society welcomed our visit and provided lots of research
materials about the Buffalo Soldiers who served at Camp Lockett. It was a wonderful
research adventure!
PO
Box 531187