Near Truckee in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
A Monument to Pioneer Families
Photographed by Connor Olson, June 15, 2025
1. A Monument to Pioneer Families Marker
Unveiled in 1918, this monument stands at one of the most historic sites in emigrant history. Nearby, trapped by snow during the winter of 1846-1847, nearly half of the Donner Party died from cold and lack of food.
The Donner Monument Committee, led by the Native Sons or the Golden West, raised funds for the monument and hired artist. John McQuarrie. Rather than show a single male figure, McQuarrie chose a family to depict the strength and grit of early settlers.
"Fitting it is, that this tribute shall stand upon the crest of the mighty Sierra, where that fearful fate befell them, and where was centered the conquering will of the hosts of thousands who came pouring into California..
-The Grizzly Bear, Native Soris of the Golden West, June 1918
Captions:
This series of photos shows the statue from studio clay model to dedication and unveiling.
John McQuarrie's clay model.
Workers building the 22' stone base.
Sections of the monument in transit to be assembled on site.
Posing atop the base that sponsors said "will always be above the snowline, and will be plainly visible."
Monument dedication
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.
Location. 39° 19.435′ N, 120° 13.887′ W. Marker is near Truckee, California, in Nevada County. It can be reached from Donner Pass Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 12593 Donner Pass Road, Truckee CA 96161, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Schallenberger Cabin Site (a few steps from this marker); Donner Party (within shouting distance of this marker); The Emigrant Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Donner Party (approx. 0.2 miles away);
Photographed by Connor Olson, June 15, 2025
2. A Monument to Pioneer Families Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2025, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 422 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 15, 2025, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
