The Airmail Navigational Arrow located in Yucca Grove, California, just off Interstate 15, is a fascinating relic from the early days of airmail service in the United States. During the 1920s and 1930s, before the advent of modern navigation technology, the U.S. Postal Service built a network of large concrete arrows across the country to guide airmail pilots along their routes.
The arrow in Yucca Grove is one of the few remaining examples of these navigational aids. Measuring approximately 70 feet in length, the arrow is made of concrete and was once accompanied by a 51-foot steel tower topped with a rotating beacon light. The beacon helped pilots locate the arrow at night, while the arrow itself provided a visual reference for navigation during the day.
The construction of the airmail beacon system began in 1923, and by the mid-1930s, there were around 1,500 beacons spanning the United States. The arrows and beacons were spaced approximately 10 miles apart along the airmail routes, which covered over 18,000 miles.
As aviation technology advanced, the arrow and beacon system became obsolete. The beacons were decommissioned in the 1940s, and many of the arrows and towers were destroyed or lost to time. However, the arrow in Yucca Grove has survived, serving as a tangible reminder of the early days of airmail service and the ingenuity of the pioneers who made it possible.
Today, the Yucca Grove Airmail Navigational Arrow is a popular spot for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious travelers. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era and serves as a testament to the bravery and determination of the early airmail pilots who relied on these simple yet effective navigational aids to complete their missions.
