Near Winnemucca in Humboldt County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
International Intrigue and the Humboldt River
Ogden worked for the Hudson's Bay Company, an early 19th century fur-trade enterprise that also furthered the interests of its home country—Great Britain. Having fur traders active in the West was a way to "check" or "counter" American expansionism. Ogden and his men tried to trap all the beaver out of this valley twice so that Great Britain could claim the land, but it didn't work. Under the pretense of "exploring new country" they were actually violating the sovereign territory of another nation—Mexico.
With the treaty that ended the Mexican-American War in 1848, the Great Basin became part of the United States. In 1850 this area became part of Utah Territory, established after the State of Deseret that was proposed by the Mormons in Salt Lake City in 1849 was rejected by Congress. In 1864, the Humboldt River Valley then became part of the new State of Nevada.
(Drawing Caption)
"...The water in this river is very muddy, warm and in my opinion very unwholesome, for in all my travels in the Snake Country the camp have never been so sickly as in this stream."
Peter Skene Ogden; 1829
Erected by Bureau of Land Management.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.
Location. 41° 0.998′ N, 117° 34.41′ W. Marker is near Winnemucca, Nevada, in Humboldt County. Marker can be reached from Interstate 80 at milepost 187, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located at the Button Point Rest Area; the rest area is accessible from both eastbound and westbound travel lanes at Exit 187. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Winnemucca NV 89445, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. About Your Journey ... (here, next to this marker); Humboldt River (here, next to this marker); California Trail - Humboldt Sloughs (here, next to this marker); Button Point (a few steps from this marker); Golconda (approx. 6˝ miles away); The Humboldt Canal (approx. 8.3 miles away); Veterans Memorial Park (approx. 8.8 miles away); Winnemucca World War I American Legion Honor Roll (approx. 8.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winnemucca.
More about this marker. The marker is in poor condition, and parts of the marker are difficult to read or illegible.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 547 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 8, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.