Camp Cady stood on the Mojave Road connecting Los Angeles to Albuquerque. Non-Indian travel on this road and the nearby Salt Lake Road was beset by Paiutes, Mohaves, and Chemehuevis defending their homeland. To protect both roads, U.S. Dragoons established Camp Cady in 1860. Its main building was a stout mud redoubt, and improved camp structures were built a half mile west in 1868. After peace was achieved, the military withdrew in 1871. The protection provided by Camp Cady enabled travelers, merchandise, and mail using both roads to boost California's economy and growth.
