Western Pioneer. In 1852, together with partner James Mason, John Hart formed the Vallecito Stage Station on lands outside the border of Anza Borrego Desert, County of San Diego, California. The stage route followed the same route that would connect with the California Missions and was first used as a stop for a transcontinental mail route, (1858-61). Later it was used as stage station for passengers from Mexico and other US States to travel up north to San Francisco, where they would rest, and sleep overnight. After the coming of the railroad lines in the early 1860s, the stage line slowed down and became a public campground. After Hart's death, Mason stayed on until his own death in 1831 and the County of San Diego purchased the land and turned it into a park. Located along County Highway S2, just outside the border of Anza Borrego Desert State Park, the Vallecito State Station is now a public camp ground. The original station, being made of adobe, has since crumbled and a replica has been built. The cemetery, also referred to "Campo Santo" (Holy Ground), lies about 100ft east of the station and only three people including Hart, are buried there.
Western Pioneer. In 1852, together with partner James Mason, John Hart formed the Vallecito Stage Station on lands outside the border of Anza Borrego Desert, County of San Diego, California. The stage route followed the same route that would connect with the California Missions and was first used as a stop for a transcontinental mail route, (1858-61). Later it was used as stage station for passengers from Mexico and other US States to travel up north to San Francisco, where they would rest, and sleep overnight. After the coming of the railroad lines in the early 1860s, the stage line slowed down and became a public campground. After Hart's death, Mason stayed on until his own death in 1831 and the County of San Diego purchased the land and turned it into a park. Located along County Highway S2, just outside the border of Anza Borrego Desert State Park, the Vallecito State Station is now a public camp ground. The original station, being made of adobe, has since crumbled and a replica has been built. The cemetery, also referred to "Campo Santo" (Holy Ground), lies about 100ft east of the station and only three people including Hart, are buried there.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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