The former Freda Railhead is located on California Highway 62 approximately 0.5 miles east of Freda, California and 2.5 miles west of Rice, California in San Bernardino County, California. The site comprises section 8 and the northern one-half portion of Section 17 in T1S, R20E (San Bernardino Meridian). On July 8, 1943 the United States Department of the Interior transferred 809.5 acres by Public Land Order No. 146 to the War Department for the cost of $10. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company leased 0.615 acres to the War Department and also granted a no-area license dated September 5, 1942 for a water pipeline right-of-way.
Freda Railhead was used as a railhead and campsite by the War Department during the Desert Training Center, California - Arizona Maneuver Area (CAMA) operation in 1943 under the command of Major General George S. Patton, Jr. The railroad on the site was used as a means to transport troops and equipment. Improvements to the site consisted of five latrine buildings, four single wood tent frames, two administration buildings and one warehouse. All buildings were temporary structures.
Freda Railhead was declared surplus on March 10, 1944, including land and improvements. The declaration involved retransfer of government owned lands, cancellation of leases and disposal of buildings and improvements. Public Land Order (PLO) No. 146 for 809.5 acres was revoked by PLO No. 348 on February 10, 1947. The 0.615 acre lease with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company was terminated October 6, 1944 and the no-area license was terminated April 15, 1949. The property is currently owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the railroad portion by the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company.