Kirkwood in Alpine County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Old Emigrant Road
Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 26, 2009
1. Old Emigrant Road Marker
Here the Old Emigrant Road of 1848 swung down across the meadow now covered by Caples Lake (Twin Lakes) and climbed along the ridge at the right to the gap at the head of the valley. From this summit (9,460 feet) it descended to Placerville. This rough and circuitous section became obsolete in 1863 when a better route was blasted out of the face of the cliff at Carson Spur.
Erected 1959 by California State Parks Commission, and the Silver Lake Campers Association. (Marker Number 661.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 38° 42.178′ N, 120° 2.189′ W. Marker was in Kirkwood, California, in Alpine County. It was on Carson Pass Scenic Byway (State Highway 88), on the right when traveling east. Marker is located at Caples Lake, 17.3 miles east of Woodfords. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Kit Carson CA 95644, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in California’s Sierra Nevada. It was also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it was in North America, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this location, measured as
this page online
Regarding Old Emigrant Road. This site was designated California Historical Landmark No. 661 on November 5, 1958.
Also see . . .
1. The History of El Dorado County. This Old Emigrant Road across the Sierras went through the current El Dorado, Amador and Alpine Counties. (Submitted on July 31, 2009.)
2. California Landmark Foundation. The foundation is raising money to replace missing California Historical Landmark plaques. (Submitted on December 12, 2024.)
Additional keywords. Emmigrant Trails
Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 26, 2009
2. Old Emigrant Road Marker
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 20, 2011
3. Marker is Missing - July 2011
Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 26, 2009
4. Caples Lake
Original trail crossed the valley, now covered by Cables Lake.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 26, 2009
5. Caples Lake
Credits. This page was last revised on December 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,802 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on December 20, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 31, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on July 25, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 4, 5. submitted on July 31, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
