Truckee in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

George Schaffer

1828 – 1903

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 14, 2012

1. George Schaffer Marker

Inscription. One of Truckee’s earliest settlers. Schaffer in 1866 built the first lumber mill in the town. He freighted the locomotive San Mateo to Truckee in a winter crossing of the Sierra prior to the laying of Central Pacific tracks. This building “The Star Hotel” was built by Schaffer probably for his family. When mill operations were relocated up Martis Creek in 1871, this building was converted to a hotel and has remained in continuous operation until this day. For 24 years, the Truckee Basin supplied timber to railroads, mines and boom towns through “Uncle George’s” enterprises.

Erected 1986 by Chief Truckee Chapter No. 3691, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.

Location. 39° 19.625′ N, 120° 11.042′ W. Marker is in Truckee, California, in Nevada County. Marker is on West River Road just west of Brockway Road, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10015 West River Road, Truckee CA 96161, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. George Schaffer House (a few steps from this marker);

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Jax Truckee Diner (within shouting distance of this marker); Truckee (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Transcontinental Railroad - Truckee (about 400 feet away); Theodore Dehone Judah (about 400 feet away); First Log Cabin (about 700 feet away); Truckee’s Old Stone Garage and Site of Town’s First Dwelling (about 700 feet away); “The Tin Can” ----------- “Dot’s Place” (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Truckee.

Regarding George Schaffer. From the Truckee Donner Historical Website:
George Schaffer:
A lumberman who came to Truckee in 1867 and became partners with Joseph Gray to build the first saw and lumber mill. He also brought the first locomotive over the summit on sleighs using thirty yoke of oxen.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 14, 2012

2. George Schaffer Marker

George Schaffer Marker and "The Star Hotel" image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 14, 2012

3. George Schaffer Marker and "The Star Hotel"

The marker is visible mounted on front of the building to the right of the entrance door.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2012, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 736 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 27, 2012, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.