Near Hope Valley in Alpine County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Over the Sierra Nevada
Enterprising merchants in Murphys, Vallecito, Sonora, Angels Camp, Stockton, and other areas of the southern mines, sought to divert the traffic east from Murphys to the main Carson Route.
A letter was sent to the California State Surveyor to conduct such a survey. Their request was turned down due to a lack of funds and they were told that if they wanted it surveyed, they would have to do it on their own. The merchants of Murphys raised $800 for the task and proceeded to find a suitable roμte. In 1856, they raised more funds and constructed a wagon road - the Big Tree Road from Murphys through the Calaveras Grove of Giant Sequoia to Hermit Valley and then north to this point in Hope Valley.
In the late 1850s and 60s, thousands of emigrants, freight wagons, and gold prospectors passed through this junction on the way to fulfilling their hopes and fantasies for striking it rich.
Erected by CA/NV Chapter of Oregon & California Trails Assoc. and National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.
Location. 38° 44.875′ N, 119° 56.37′ W. Marker is near Hope Valley, California, in Alpine County. Marker is on Blue Lakes Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is in the Hope Valley Sno-Park parking lot about one third of a mile south of State Route 88. 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 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Carson Trail - Hope Valley (approx. 2.2 miles away); Emigrant Trail - Carson River Route (approx. 2.2 miles away); Luther Pass Trail - Leaving the Carson Trail (approx. 2.2 miles away); a different marker also named Luther Pass Trail - Leaving the Carson Trail (approx. 2.2 miles away); Luther Pass Trail - Luther Pass (approx. 2.8 miles away); Carson Trail - Crooked Trail (approx. 3.6 miles away); Luther Pass Trail - Came to Grass Lake (approx. 3.7 miles away); The Emigrant Trail (approx. 4.4 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on December 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2022, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. This page has been viewed 155 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 5, 2022, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.