Wheatland in Yuba County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Overland Emigrant Trail

Photographed by Kevin W., January 29, 2025

1. Overland Emigrant Trail Marker

Inscription. Approximately 1 ¼ miles east of this site is the historic Johnson’s Crossing. This was the first settlement reached west of the Sierra and the last stop on the Overland Emigrant Trail. Used as a camping spot for the pioneers, departure spot for the miners and a sojourning place for trappers, herdsmen and adventurers. The rescue party for the Donner Party was organized and departed from this crossing February 5, 1847.

Erected by State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with The Yuba County Historical Society (October 26, 1976). (Marker Number 799-3.)

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 date for this entry is February 5, 1797.

Location. 39° 2.378′ N, 121° 23.102′ W. Marker is in Wheatland, California, in Yuba County. It is on Spenceville Road 3 miles east of California Highway 65, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wheatland CA 95692, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sacramento Metro,

in Sacramento Valley,

and specifically in the Central Valley.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Durst Hop Ranch (approx. 2.6 miles away); Johnson's Ranch (approx. 2.9 miles away); Holland House

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(approx. 3 miles away); Chinese Pyre (approx. 3.6 miles away); Camp Beale POW Compound (approx. 4.1 miles away); Union Shed (approx. 4.1 miles away); The Graham Hotel (approx. 4.3 miles away); Truckee Trail – To Johnson Ranch (approx. 4.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wheatland.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Camp Far West Cemetery (was approx. 2.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Marker near Grass Valley on the Overland Emigrant Trail.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 15, 2006

2. Overland Emigrant Trail Marker

Photographed by Kevin W., January 29, 2025

3. Overland Emigrant Trail Marker

Plaque Mounted Below the Main Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 15, 2006

4. Plaque Mounted Below the Main Marker

Plaque reads: Erected by Wheatland Lions Club Price "Spike" Waltz, Chairman

Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 15, 2006

5. Overland Emigrant Trail Marker

Original photo submitted for this marker page.

Donner Emigrant Trail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Margaret Tomer Rummens, April 5, 2009

6. Donner Emigrant Trail

This marker, located on private property and not accessible by the public, is located approximately 1.25 miles east. It is located near the original Johnson’s Crossing at Bear Creek:
Donner Emigrant Trail
Bear Creek Crossing
1844 – 1878
Erected by Wheatland Historical Society
April 1972

Donner Emigrant Trail Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Margaret Tomer Rummens, April 5, 2009

7. Donner Emigrant Trail Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,887 times since then and 65 times this year. Last updated on May 2, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1. submitted on January 29, 2025, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 2. submitted on August 20, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on January 29, 2025, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on August 20, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6, 7. submitted on March 4, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.