Thomas Mountain (6,825 ft.)
This is a cache to introduce a little-known lookout tower site to the cachers of America. Named for Charles Thomas (ca. 1825-95), a pioneer settler in this area. After arriving in California (1849), he acquired and then sold interest in mines at Temescal and received 200 cows in partial payment. He traded 22 of them for 4000 acres of land to start his ranch (1861), where he raised cattle and later race horses. This area was known as Hemet Valley to 1861, then Thomas Valley to 1904, when Thomas sold his now 7000 acre property to stockman Robert Garner, who in turn renamed it Garner Valley. Thomas named the peak for his wife Geneviva, because the valley was already named for him.
Name is derived from the original Thomas Mountain, cited by the USGS (1897-98), as taking in most of Horse Creek Ridge-now called Little Thomas Mountain
The original Thomas Mountain Fire Lookout was built in 1934. The 60-foot tall Anemotor style lookout was used until the late 1950's when it was closed and then used only occasionally during fire emergencies and deer hunting season. The cab was much different that the other lookouts on the San Bernardino National Forest. It was basically a platform, with a small 7x7 cab at the top with no catwalk. Entrance was through a trap door in the floor. All other lookouts on the SBNF are 14x14. Eventually it fell victim to vandalism and due to safety risks, the Forest Service dismantled it. Currently, all that is left is the foundation where the lookout once stood. Below it is the old foundation of the shed/garage and cabin surrounded by a lovely rock wall.
Enjoy the view of Anza Valley. Since this site is not maintained, CITO is requested.
{Note: some years back the cache container was removed by muggles. I'd like to change the classification for this cache to "Virtual", but am unable to, so am re-establishing the cache with the same classification. At the site there is no cache container that we personally maintain.}