In 1933, various ideas for the beautification of Rosecrans Street were discussed by Point Loma residents and the City. To honor the 1769 La Playa Trail--the oldest commercial trail on the Pacific Coast, six concrete markers from Fort Rosecrans to the Mission San Diego were placed the original route. The markers, featuring an ox-cart and Indian, were designed by Old Town sculptor Rose Hanks For many years the Midway marker sat--sad and forlorn, on the Rosecrans median just south of Midway Drive.. As cars and buses whizzed by, nobody gave much thought or remembrance to what the memorial meant--especially in such a busy and congested area. However., "early in 2005, Point Loma residents Joe Mannino, Charles Best, Klonie Kunzel, Pat Baker and Mary Ellen Cortellini formed the La Playa Trail Association to carry on the work of the earlier trailblazers. Civic-minded members refurbished and rededicated the Midway marker in July of that year," according to a story in the Peninsula Beacon newspaper.
Now the Midway marker proudly stands guard along the perimeter of the Loma Shopping Square in to 3300 block of Rosecrans. While waiting in traffic today at that corner, I looked over and noticed the marker and how nice and dignified it looked, nestled among the grassy lawn and flowerbeds. I proudly thought of those who came before me and navigated the same roads long ago--albeit most likely dusty and horse drawn. As the Peninsula Beacon noted "Kumeyaay Indians, Spanish priests and soldiers, fur trappers, Boston-China traders, Portuguese whalers and fishermen, Indian vaqueros, American cowboys, railway men, the U.S. Cavalry, Mexican rancheros, English explorers, Chinese fishermen and a myriad of adventurers" are honored and remembered at this Midway trail marker. read more