Fandango Pass in Modoc County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Applegate-Lassen Trail
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 11, 2008
1. The Applegate-Lassen Trail Marker
Erected 1956 by California State Park Comm. Modoc County Board of Supervisors, Alturas Parlor No. 159 Native Daughters of the Golden West July 15, 1956 Redicated By E Clampus Vitus, 1992. (Marker Number 546.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Landmarks • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Applegate Trail, the California Historical Landmarks, the E Clampus Vitus, the Lassen Trail and Burnett Cutoff, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.
Location. 41° 48.094′ N, 120° 12.336′ W. Marker is in Fandango Pass, California, in Modoc County. Marker is on Fandango Pass Road (County Road 9) 4 miles west of Surprise Valley Road (County Road 1), on the right when traveling east. Marker is located between about
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Applegate Trail (here, next to this marker); Applegate Trail - Fandango Pass Descent (within shouting distance of this marker); Applegate Trail - Fandango Pass Ascent (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fort Bidwell Military Post (approx. 4.8 miles away); Applegate Trail - Through the Forest (approx. 5.4 miles away); Applegate Trail - Descent to Lassen Creek (approx. 6.9 miles away); Applegate Trail - Descent to Goose Lake (approx. 8.4 miles away); Applegate Trail - New Road to Yreka (approx. 10 miles away).
Additional commentary.
1. Fandango Pass
This was once a major emigrant route to Oregon and was part of Peter Lassen’s “Lassen Horn Trail”.
There are more than one story as to how the pass was named. One story states that late in 1851, a large party pf emigrants were camped here. Having made it through the Nevada desert they celebrated by dancing the fandango. Outside the circle of wagons and campfires Piute Indians gathered, attacked and slaughtered the emigrants. From then on this “Lassen Pass” was known as “Fandango
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 11, 2008
2. The Applegate-Lassen Trail Marker
Today historians find much to prove that this story is not true. One member of the Wolverine Rangers’ diary gives a more authentic account of the name. Their group was camped in the valley in 1849 when it grew so cold that the men danced all night to keep warm and so named the place “Fandango”.
This route was extensively traveled from 1848 until 1853. The importance of Fandango Pass declined even further after 1869 when the Cedar Pass wagon road was opened.
— Submitted December 12, 2009.
Additional keywords. -120.205600
Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 11, 2008
3. The Applegate-Lassen Trail Marker
Plaque on bottom of Marker:
Plaque Reinstalled
May 19, 1992
Neversweats
1863
E Clampus Vitus
Credo Quia Absurdum
May 19, 1992
Neversweats
1863
E Clampus Vitus
Credo Quia Absurdum
Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 11, 2008
4. Trace of the Original Applegate-Lassen Trail
Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 11, 2008
5. Current Alignment of the Applegate-Lassen Trail
Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,245 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 12, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4, 5. submitted on November 3, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Information about the missing marker once located on the post to the left of this marker. • Can you help?
