Woodfords in Alpine County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Woodfords Station

Photographed By Karen Key, October 6, 2006

1. Woodfords Station Marker

Inscription. Historic Woodfords Station, the Eastern Sierra gateway to the goldfields of California, way station of the famed Pony Express, and entrance to Carson Pass on the Emigrant Trail to the Sacramento Valley. Beginning in 1849 with the building of the “Sign of the Elephant” hotel by Daniel Woodfords, it was the first settlement in what is today Alpine County. In 1854 Willis P. Merrill opened a trading post in the area and later a hotel and store.

Dedicated in truth, liberty and toleration July 7, 2001, by the Grand Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West, William E. Hargis, Grand President.

Erected 2001 by Grand Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West. (Marker Number 805.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West, and the Pony Express National Historic Trail series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is July 7, 1861.

Location. 38° 46.593′ N, 119° 49.369′ W. Marker is in Woodfords, California, in Alpine County. Marker is on Old Pony Express Way (California Route 88) east of California Route 89, on the

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left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Markleeville CA 96120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Pony Express - Woodfords (a few steps from this marker); The Sign of the Elephant (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Carson Trail - To West Carson Canyon (approx. 0.6 miles away); Carson Trail - First Crossing in Mad Canyon (approx. one mile away); Snowshoe Thomson (approx. 2.7 miles away); Snowshoe Thompson Home (approx. 2.7 miles away); Snowshoe Thompson (approx. 2.7 miles away); Carson Trail - Crooked Trail (approx. 3.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Woodfords.

Regarding Woodfords Station. This site has been designated as California Historical Landmark No. 805

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Follow the first Eastbound journey of the Pony Express through California to Genoa, Nevada....To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.

Also see . . . Pony Express National Historic Trail. (Submitted on October 14, 2006, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California.)

Photographed By Karen Key, October 6, 2006

2. Woodfords Station Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 13, 2006, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. This page has been viewed 3,317 times since then and 63 times this year. Last updated on April 11, 2022, by Troy ECV Morgan of Carson City, Nevada. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 13, 2006, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.