Truckee in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Truckee

Jewel of the Eastern Sierra

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 21, 2009

1. Truckee Marker

Inscription. First known as Gray’s Toll Station, then Coburn’s Station, Truckee was established in 1863. Renowned for its lumber industry, Transcontinental Railroad, icehouses, saloons and red light district, Truckee has never been known for her laid back demeanor. It has always been a town where people came to entertain themselves on Friday and Saturday nights, just as it is today.

Erected 1989 by Chief Truckee Chapter, No. 3691 E Clampus Vitus, Truckee Donner Historical Society and Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce, August 12, 1989.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.

Location. 39° 19.62′ N, 120° 11.1′ W. Marker is in Truckee, California, in Nevada County. It can be reached from Donner Pass Road. The marker is mounted on the base of the flagpole at the front of the Truckee Railroad Depot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10158 Donner Pass Road, Truckee CA 96161, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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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: First Transcontinental Railroad - Truckee (within shouting distance of this marker); Theodore Dehone Judah (within shouting distance of this marker); George Schaffer House (within shouting distance of this marker); George Schaffer (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jax Truckee Diner (about 300 feet away); World War I Memorial / Victory Highway Monument Rededication (about 600 feet away); Old Truckee Jail (about 600 feet away); “The Tin Can” / “Dot’s Place” (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Truckee.

Additional commentary.
1.
The flagpole was moved a short distance to the west and the stone masonry base was replaced with a concrete base.

— Submitted October 23, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.

Photographed by Jeff Horan of Gustine California, October 19, 2022

2. Truckee Marker

On its new concrete foundation.

Flagpole Dedication Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Horan of Gustine California, October 19, 2022

3. Flagpole Dedication Plaque

On its new concrete foundation.

Truckee Marker and Flag Pole Base image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 21, 2009

4. Truckee Marker and Flag Pole Base

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 21, 2009

5. Flagpole Dedication Plaque

(Located on front of base facing street)

This flagpole represents 100 years of service by the Truckee Fire Protection District and it's members, past and present for their commitment to the preservation of life and property.
Truckee Fire Protection Service
1894 - 1994

Markers on the New Flagpole Base image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Horan of Gustine California, October 19, 2022

6. Markers on the New Flagpole Base

Flagpole Dedication Plaque and Base image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 21, 2009

7. Flagpole Dedication Plaque and Base

The Flagpole image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 21, 2009

8. The Flagpole

Historic Buildings in Truckee image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 21, 2009

9. Historic Buildings in Truckee

From Left to Right: The Capitol Built in 1872 by William Hurd. It was originally "Hurd's Saloon and Hall." It was used by Piper Opera Company and then for the County Court.
I.O.O.F. Hall This building was built in 1871 and is the oldest building on the block.
Rex Hotel Building Built over 100 years ago, this building was converted to a hotel with steam heated rooms in 1913. During prohibition, the lower floor was a speakeasy called the "Silver Mirror."

The Truckee Hotel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 21, 2009

10. The Truckee Hotel

Built as the American Hotel in 1873, this structure was known as the Whitney House before the 1900s and has had several name changes since then. In 1909, the structure burned to the ground ans was rebuilt in the same spot. One notable name change was to the Alpine Riverside Hotel in the 1950s for the 1960 Winter Olympic Games at Squaw Valley.

Truckee Railroad Depot image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, October 21, 2009

11. Truckee Railroad Depot

Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,722 times since then and 74 times this year. Last updated on April 11, 2025, by E Gardner of Reno, Nevada. Photos: 1. submitted on October 22, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 2, 3. submitted on October 22, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 4, 5. submitted on October 22, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6. submitted on October 23, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on October 22, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.