Truckee in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Donner Pass
Who Passed This Way
Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 21, 2009
1. Donner Pass Marker
For thousands of years, people have crossed the Sierra Nevada near this place called Donner Pass.
Traveling by foot, wagon, train or automobile, the journey has always been challenging.
The Washoe Indians trekked through the area, from their Great Basin home enroute to the foothills of California, to gather acorns and to trade. They brought items such as salt, obsidian, rabbit skins and pine nuts to trade with the California Indians for other food items, animal skins and sea shells.
Incorporating portions of the emigrant trail, the Dutch Flat and Donner Lake Wagon Road was completed in 1864, opening the area to permanent settlement.
this page online
Because of this railroad link, traveling across the nation now seemed quick and easy. This lured more than emigrants out west and marked the beginnings of this area’s tourist economy.
This section of the Lincoln Highway was replaced by Highway 40 in 1926. Highway 40 served as the major driving route over Donner Pass until Interstate 80 was completed in 1964
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the First Transcontinental Railroad, the Lincoln Highway, and the Truckee Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.
Location. 39° 19.111′ N,
Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 21, 2009
2. Snow Sheds Protecting Railroad Tracks
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. 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 walking distance of this marker: McGlashan Point (here, next to this marker); Transcontinental Railroad (here, next to this marker); Stephens – Townsend – Murphy Party of 1844 (within shouting distance of this marker); Rainbow Bridge (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Donner Summit Overlook (about 300 feet away); Donner Summit Bridge (about 300 feet away); China Wall (about 600 feet away);
Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 21, 2009
3. By Foot
Photo Caption:
Washoe woman weaving baskets.
Photo courtesy of the Nevada County Historical Society.
Also see . . . Truckee - Donner Historical Society. This links to several articles regarding the history of the area. (Submitted on October 23, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 21, 2009
4. By Wagon
Photo Caption:
Wagons crossing Donner Pass on the Dutch Flat and Donner Lake Wagon Road - circa 1863
Photo courtesy of the Navada Historical Society
Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 21, 2009
5. By Train
Photo Caption:
Central Pacific Railroad - circa 1870
Photo courtesy of the California State Railroad Museum.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 21, 2009
6. By Auto
Photo Caption:
1929 Model AC Chevrolet driving on the Lincoln Highway over snow-plowed Donner Pass
Photo courtesy of Tahoe National Forest Photo Collection.
Photographed by Syd Whittle
7. The Town of Truckee and Donner Lake
In this photo the original cut of the railroad track bed is viewed on the right. Donner Lake is viewed in the center with the Town of Truckee seen above the lake and Old Highway 40 (The Lincoln Highway) can be seen below the lake.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 5,185 times since then and 171 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 23, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
