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Mojave Cross case begins
The American Civil Liberties Union, acting on the behalf of a Mojave National Park employee, announces a deal with the Mojave National Preserve to remove the Mojave Cross. Orginally erected in 1934, the cross on Sunrise Rock was made to honor soldiers who died in World War I. The deal falls through, however, when Pres. Bill Clinton later signs an appropriations bill that prevents the service from using federal money to remove it. -
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Mojave Cross case
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ACLU sues over cross
The American Civil Liberties Union files suit over the Mojave Cross, claiming the marker in San Bernardino County is unconstitutional. -
A National Memorial
With the backing of Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Redlands, Congress designates the Mojave Cross as a National Memorial. -
Judge rules against cross
U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Timlin of Riverside rules the Mojave Cross is a religious symbol on public land and must be removed. The cross is covered with a tarp, and later a box, for years after the ruling as the case wound its way through the legal system. -
Land swap proposed
Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Redlands, brokers a land swap between the National Park Service and owners of property inside the park. The service would get 5 acres of land for the 1 acre containing the site of the Mojave Cross. It is later approved by Congress. -
Appeals court backs Judge
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upholds Judge Robert Timlin's decison that the cross was an unconstitutional governmental endorsement of religion. But a potential land swap proposal remains an ongoing issue in the debate. -
Judge denies land swap
Ruling on the land-swap deal to save the Mojave Cross, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Timlin stirkes down the plan. Timlin notes in his ruling that, "It is evident to the court that the government has engaged in Herculean efforts to preserve the Latin cross on federal land" and the proposed transfer " can only be viewed as an attempt to keep the Latin cross atop Sunrise Rock without actually curing the continuing Establishment Clause violation by defendants." -
Land swap appeal denied
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, in its second ruling in the case, affirms the decision of the district court. Justices write that the land deal "will do nothing to minimize the impermissible government endorsement." Cross supporters appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. -
Supreme Court hears case
Both sides present their arguments concerning the land swap deal before the U.S. Supreme Court. The justices appear split on the issue. -
Supreme Court backs cross
In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court overturnes previous rulings that the cross must be removed from its perch atop Sunrise Rock. The case is sent back to the lower courts. -
Mojave Cross stolen
Just days after the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling, the Mojave Cross is stolen. In a back-and-forth series lasting to the present day, at least two replacements have been erected and removed from the site. -
Veterans join the fight
A veterans group sues the Obama administration, asking for the Mojave Cross to be returned. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Barstow post asks the administration to enforce the congressionally approved land swap. -
Deal reached
An agreement between the National Park Service and the American Civil Liberties Union is approved by a federal court, allowing the Mojave Cross to return. The agreement includes a land swap and conditions about fencing for the site.
