Harry Wade, his wife and children were in the Bennett-Arcan party caravan emigrating west.

At the direction of guide Jefferson Hunt the caravan took a poorly planned turn and descended into Death Valley, California while looking for a shortcut off the Old Spanish Trail.

After departing Death Valley Wade found the Old Spanish Trail and came to Southern California though the Cajon Pass.

Harry Wade Exit Route was designated a California Historic Landmark (No.622) on October 9, 1957.

A marker was placed about 30 miles north of Baker, California, on the Harry Wade Exit Route, to designate where his family escaped.