Wheatland in Yuba County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Johnson's Ranch
Erected 1971 by State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Wheatland Lions Club (May 30, 1971). (Marker Number 493.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.
Location. 39° 0.618′ N, 121° 25.375′ W. Marker is in Wheatland, California, in Yuba County. Marker is on Front Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located at Tomita Park, between Fourth and Main Streets. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wheatland CA 95692, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Holland House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Durst Hop Ranch (approx. ¼ mile away); Chinese Pyre (approx. 0.8 miles away); Overland Emigrant Trail (approx. 2.9 miles away); Union Shed (approx. 3.2 miles away); Sheridan Cemetery (approx. 4.3 miles away); The Graham Hotel (approx. 7 miles away); Truckee Trail – To Johnson Ranch (approx. 7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wheatland.
More about this marker. This site is a California Registered Historical Landmark (No. 493).
Regarding Johnson's Ranch. Perhaps the most important thing for which the Johnson Ranch is remembered is that it was there that the five women and two men survivors of the “Forlorn Hope” group from the snowed-in Donner Party arrived (after 33 grueling days which saw 7 of their number die) on Jan. 17, 1847, seeking aid for the remainder of their ill-fated wagon train.
Also see . . .
1. Wheatland, California. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on January 10, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. An 1849 Map of Johnson's Ranch and the Wheatland Area. This Wheatland Historical Society's defunct website at the Wayback Machine offers this map and links to additional maps and information. (Submitted on February 27, 2011.)
Additional commentary.
1. Johnson Ranch Marker at the Actual Site
We were on a wagon train 15 yrs ago give or take. We started at Rough and Ready went through Penn Valley through Beale AFB to Johnson Ranch. We spent the night there by a big log (the mountain men killed a rattler and cooked it but the children were protesting the killing. I'll never forget that). I was walking around and found a dirt road next to the walnut orchard (probably east of the Camp Far West Road across from the pasture we were camped in) and ran across a marker. It had something to do with the Donner Party and Johnson Ranch and that is my first knowledge that the Donner Party arrived their after their ordeal. I had read the book earlier so I was acquainted with the Johnson Ranch. Regretfully I didn't get a picture of it nor of the wagon train. Just memories and a few names of the teamsters and outriders. Most of them are gone now or moved.
Just my two cents worth,
Thanks for listening....joyce
Editors Note: Thank you for this personal memory!
— Submitted August 18, 2013, by Joyce Patterson of Oregon House, California.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,661 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 20, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 24, 2012, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.