Slab City in Niland, CA (2206)

Just east of Niland is what is called 'Slab City'. Slab City is an unsanctioned, but unbothered, takeover of an abandoned military base. When the base was abandoned after WWII, what was left was simply the concrete slabs where buildings had been. Over the years the former base has developed a reputation as an area for retirees and other unemployed people to informally set up camp for the winter, as well as a permanent year-round home for some people who live in trailers, old buses, cars, and a variety of other informal housing structures (I saw one of wood and hay bales). Like many such areas scattered throughout the west, it can look like a junk yard -- stoves, refrigerators, and old computers just lying about; cars that have been stripped of upholstery and tires; travel trailers and mobile homes that were long ago gutted by fire. But, also like many of such places, there's surprising evidence of a continued effort to build community and/or monuments to particular individual's obsessions.

In general, there isn't much indication of the military history of the area, except a series of ammunition bunkers downhill from Slab City.All of the ammunition bunkers look like they have been lived-in, at least for a short period of time. And, they seem to be good vehicles for public statements.