Kirkwood in Alpine County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Memorial to Pioneer Odd Fellows
Photographed By Syd Whittle, July 26, 2009
1. Memorial to Pioneer Odd Fellows Marker
At this point in August 1849, a group of Odd Fellows nearing their goal, the California gold mines, paused in their struggle up these granite walls, to paint on this and adjacent boulders their names and the three links of the Great Order they so dearly loved.Pioneers of the Brotherhood of Man,
We Salute You.
Your bodies have blended with the dust of the West.
Your spirit lives and inspires.
Dedicated to their memory, by the Grand Lodge of California.
Independent Order Odd Fellows
May 1941.
Erected 1941 by Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Grand Lodge of California. (Marker Number 378.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1941.
Location. 38° 41.529′ N, 119° 59.251′ W. Marker is in Kirkwood, California, in Alpine County. Marker can be reached from
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Carson Trail - Ascent to Carson Pass (here, next to this marker); Naming of Carson Pass (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Summit (about 500 feet away); Snowshoe Thom(p)son (about 600 feet away); Kit Carson (about 600 feet away); The Emigrant Trail (approx. ¼ mile away); Summer Retreat (approx. 3.2 miles away); Caples Lake (approx. 3.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kirkwood.
More about this marker. This site is also part of the California National Historic Trail and a marker is located between the road and the Odd Fellows Monument.
Regarding Memorial to Pioneer Odd Fellows. This site was designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No.378 on January 3, 1944.
Statement of Significance:
On some large rocks near Carson Pass, a group of pioneers inscribed their names and the emblem of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1849.
Note: Names have been repainted.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, July 26, 2009
2. Memorial to Pioneer Odd Fellows Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, July 26, 2009
3. Granite Rock and Re-Painted Names
Photographed By Syd Whittle, July 26, 2009
4. Granite Rock with Names and Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, July 26, 2009
5. Trail Leading to Odd Fellow Monument
Marker can be seen in the background.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, July 26, 2009
6. California Trail - National Historical Trail Marker CR-43 (2004)
Front of Trail Marker:
Carson Trail - Ascent to Carson Pass
"After dinner we crossed the first mountain. The ascent is half a mile and much like going up the side of a house in steepness. With hughe stones in the road, aside the road and all around the road."- Henry Sheldon Anable, Sep. 10, 1852.
Bronze Plaque on post reads:
Marker placed by Nevada Trail Marking Committee, Inc. c/o Nevada Historical Society, Reno, Nev.
Executive Committee: J.T. Anderson, Pres., Walt Mulcahy, E.W. Harris, Bruce M. Dougle, Ken Jackson, Art Broten, W.A. Gilstrap
1971
"After dinner we crossed the first mountain. The ascent is half a mile and much like going up the side of a house in steepness. With hughe stones in the road, aside the road and all around the road."- Henry Sheldon Anable, Sep. 10, 1852.
Bronze Plaque on post reads:
Marker placed by Nevada Trail Marking Committee, Inc. c/o Nevada Historical Society, Reno, Nev.
Executive Committee: J.T. Anderson, Pres., Walt Mulcahy, E.W. Harris, Bruce M. Dougle, Ken Jackson, Art Broten, W.A. Gilstrap
Photographed By Syd Whittle, July 26, 2009
7. Carson River Route C.R.R. 29
Back of Trail Marker:
Emigrant Trail - Carson River Route
Marker No. C.R.R.29 - Kit Carson Pass
Elevation 8650 ft. First Sierra Summit
Trail descends to Caples Lake from here.
Marker No. C.R.R.29 - Kit Carson Pass
Elevation 8650 ft. First Sierra Summit
Trail descends to Caples Lake from here.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, July 26, 2009
8. California National Historic Trail Marker Embedded in Tree
Photographed By Syd Whittle, July 26, 2009
9. The Unknown Pioneer - 1849
[Located at this site is the grave of an unknown pioneer:]
Here rests one whose name is known only to our Creator. He was one of a valiant cavalcade who brought honor and stability to the character of California. They had
Faith in God
Faith in Themselves
Faith in Their Fellowmen
Reverently dedicated August 27, 1950, by the Odd Fellows of California, Assisted by their bothers of Nevada.
Here rests one whose name is known only to our Creator. He was one of a valiant cavalcade who brought honor and stability to the character of California. They had
Faith in Themselves
Faith in Their Fellowmen
Photographed By Syd Whittle, July 26, 2009
10. Gravesite of the Unknown Pioneer
Photographed By Frasher Foto, Circa 1930's - 1940's
11. Postcard of the Site
Description on postcard:
Pioneer Odd Fellows Marker
In August 1849 a group of Odd Fellows nearing their goal, "The California gold fields", paused in their struggle to paint their names and the three links on the boulders.
near the summit of
Carson Pass
on the Alpine Highway across the High Sierras
Jackson
California to
Carson Valley
Nevada
In August 1849 a group of Odd Fellows nearing their goal, "The California gold fields", paused in their struggle to paint their names and the three links on the boulders.
near the summit of
Carson Pass
on the Alpine Highway across the High Sierras
Jackson
California to
Carson Valley
Nevada
Credits. This page was last revised on April 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,643 times since then and 84 times this year. Last updated on December 20, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 31, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on August 1, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 11. submitted on February 3, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
