Welcome Back, Old Friend: May 2013

Finally, after two decades of its sudden disappearance, [197] Arrowhead Trail II has been found ... in one way or another! Thanks to avid explorer Justin Pulsipher we would've never known of its current home. [197] was originally placed at an easy crossroads that was well-visible at the crossroads of US 93 and US 95, 2.5 miles south of Henderson at the Railroad Pass Casino. All good things came to an end when NDOT commenced expansion on the highways in 2008 and in the pattern of things, little to no thought was given in re-erecting the marker. [197] fell to the proverbial wayside.

Justin unknowingly wandered upon two newly-constructed markers located behind the tennis courts at Mission Hills Park in east Henderson. How he found these he still isn't sure, but upon further examination he contacted me to confirm whether or not these two "landmarks" were indeed brand new versions of the long-lost blue standard marker titled "Arrowhead Trail II." Needless to say, I was elated to see that such a long-forgotten marker has been alive and well in this suburban park. I made a few calls to Clark County Parks to found out whether these markers were constructed rather recently and indeed they were ... "a few years ago, maybe 2011." So the question is why didn't the public receive word of them? It's likely the original marker was destroyed upon road construction while the plans and blueprint of the marker made it back to the SHPO. It's possible the plans for Arrowhead Trail were referenced by the Clark County Historical Society; this process would allow a party to promote new construction of the marker, with backing and support from the SHPO. Needless to say, this boat load of red tape made it possible for full resurrection of long-lost [197].

The lack of traditional font on the plaque means this replacement marker was probably promoted by the Clark County Historical Society, funded by the SHPO, and built by an area Las Vegas private contrator. So then, how about that conquering? Finding this marker is quite easy. From Henderson, head south out of Henderson on the Henderson Freeway (I-515) to Mission Drive. Exit at Mission Drive and proceed 1/4 mile to the park on the right. Find the marker on the corner just as you pull into the parking lot. For those of you wondering, I managed to make a few calls inquiring of this marker's strange placement. As it were, the powers that be were aware of its new home at Mission Hills Park, but had no idea the "contractor put it behind the tennis courts." Don't we love the bundled red tape of Nevada's historical markers?

Thanks go to Justin Pulcipher for the finding and proper GPS for this marker!