Flowing Well originally was a stop along the Southern Pacific railway,
during the late 1800s. In those days, the steam locomotives needed to
stop about every 20 miles to reload with water. These days, the diesel
engines just drive on by.
Flowing Well had also been a stop for passengers heading into Brawley
and Niland. There used to be a depot here, where passengers could exit
and hop aboard a coach that would carry them to town.
Flowing Well is located along Nider Road about 1 mile south of the
intersection between Nider Road and Flowing Wells Road. There is lots
of vegetation here, due to the spring. The railroad track here is elevated
atop a short bridge that allows a wash to flow under. View
Map
The name "Flowing Well" was derived by an underground spring
that was discovered by railroad workers. Some people refer to the name
in plural "Flowing Wells", but it is actually singular.
The cemetery lies about 0.2 miles north of Flowing Well along Nider
Road, to the west of the railroad tracks. This is located away from
the spring, and thus there is little vegatation growing. Little trace
of burials remain except for several placements of rocks. In some cases,
sticks are planted into the ground but these are believed to have been
placed recently.
