Fallon in Churchill County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Ragtown
Photographed By M H, May 8, 2011
1. Ragtown Marker
The Forty-Mile Desert, immediately to the north, was the most dreaded portion of the California Emigrant Trail. Ragtown was the first water stop after the desert. To the thirst-crazed emigrants and their animals, no site was more welcome than the trees lining the Carson River.
Imagine, if you will, the moment when the animals first picked up the scent of water--the lifted head, the quickened pace, and finally mad, frenzied dash to the water's edge. Then, rest and repair for the arduous crossing of the Sierra Nevada that lay ahead.
In 1854, Asa Kenyon located a trading post near Ragtown. Here he offered goods and supplies to the trappers. During the 1850's and 1860's, Ragtown was one of the most important sites on the Carson Branch of the California Trail.
Erected by Nevada State Park System and the Churchill County Historical Committee. (Marker Number 19.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.
Location. 39° 30.341′ N, 118°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Carson Trail - Ragtown (approx. 0.3 miles away); Carson Trail - Junction Wagon & Pack Routes (approx. 3.7 miles away); Churchill County Courthouse (approx. 7.8 miles away); a different marker also named Churchill County Courthouse (approx. 7.9 miles away); Old Post Office (approx. 7.9 miles away); Hazen (approx. 8 miles away); Oats Park School (approx. 8.3 miles away); Lahontan Dam (approx. 8˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fallon.
Also see . . . New Amended Text for Marker. The Nevada State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) recently updated the text of the roughly 260 state historical markers in Nevada. The Nevada SHPO placed the amended text of each individual marker on its website and will change the actual markers in the field as funding allows. Minor changes have been made to the marker for grammar and readability. The link will take you to the Nevada SHPO page for the marker with the amended text. (Submitted on October 25, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.)
Additional keywords.
Photographed By M H, May 8, 2011
2. Ragtown Marker and Ragtown Crossing Wagon Wheels Dedication Plaque
Photographed By M H, May 8, 2011
3. Ragtown Crossing Dedication Plaque
Dedicated
To those pioneers whose
determination brought them
across the Forty Mile Desert
to this spot and sweet water
Photographed By M H, May 8, 2011
4. Ragtown Crossing Plaque
Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2011. This page has been viewed 1,030 times since then and 52 times this year. Last updated on August 23, 2021, by Roy Tuason: echo7tango of San Francisco, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 10, 2011, by Mh of Las Vegas, Nevada. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
