Camptonville in Yuba County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Marysville to Virginia City in 32 Hours

49 Miles Along Highway 49

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 2, 2013

1. Marysville to Virginia City in 32 Hours Marker

Inscription. In 1859 the rich Comstock Silver Lode was discovered in Washoe Territory, Nevada, causing many miners to quickly pack up and head east. Immediately a company was formed to construct a road connecting this area of California to the Comstock finds. The Henness Pass Road was completed in 1861. A journalist described the road as “...a mixture of excellence and abominations.”

Thomas Freeman financed the Oregon Creek Covered Bridge in 1871 to replace a former one. The bridge was designed and hand-built by Hugh Thomas. It is over 100 feet long with a slight curve at either end. The marks of his adze are still visible on the bridge timbers.

In 1883, the English Dam located upstream on the Middle Yuba River gave way. Debris from the dam created a temporary dam downstream causing the level of Oregon Creek to rise. The resulting flood lifted the bridge and carried it 150 feet downstream. The bridge turned around in the flood and was replaced on its abutments backwards. It stand today as a model of craftsmanship and ingenuity.

Tahoe National Forest.

Erected by Tahoe National Forest.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Roads & Vehicles

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. In addition, it is included in the Covered Bridges, and the Henness Pass series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.

Location. 39° 23.811′ N, 121° 4.955′ W. Marker is in Camptonville, California, in Yuba County. Marker is at the intersection of Alleghany Ridge Road and Highway 49, on the right when traveling north on Alleghany Ridge Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Camptonville CA 95922, 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. Oregon Creek Covered Bridge (here, next to this marker); North San Juan United Methodist Church (approx. 2.1 miles away); North San Juan Fire Department (approx. 2.2 miles away); Wells Fargo & Company / North San Juan - 1853 (approx. 2.2 miles away); Old North San Juan School (approx. 2.4 miles away); Bullards Bar Dam and Reservoir (approx. 2.6 miles away); Acton Meek Cleveland (approx. 4.2 miles away); Robert Campton (approx. 4.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Camptonville.

More about this marker. Heading north on Highway 49 from North San Juan take the road that bears right after the "Oregon Creek Day Use Area" sign.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 2, 2013

2. Marysville to Virginia City in 32 Hours Marker

The Oregon Creek Covered Bridge marker is in the background.

Oregon Creek Covered Bridge Vintage Postcard image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Eastman Studio, Marysville, Ca.

3. Oregon Creek Covered Bridge Vintage Postcard

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 657 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 14, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on February 5, 2013. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.