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

First Wagons Across the Sierras

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 13, 2012

1. First Wagons Across the Sierras Marker

Inscription. The Stephens – Townsend – Murphy Party, with guidance from old Caleb Greenwood and Chief Truckee, brought their wagons up the Truckee River bed and on Nov. 25, 1844 191 days out of Council Bluffs, Iowa passed this point and crossed the mighty Sierra summit directly to the west, blazing the famous California Emigrant Trail for all who followed.

Erected 1976 by Chief Truckee Chapter 3691, E Camplus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus, and the Truckee Trail series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1845.

Location. 39° 19.38′ N, 120° 17.458′ W. Marker is in Truckee, California, in Nevada County. Marker is at the intersection of Donner Pass Road (Old Highway 40) and South Shore Drive, on the left when traveling west on Donner Pass Road. Marker is located at the west end of Donner Lake. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15963 South Shore Drive, Truckee CA 96161, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Donner Lake West End (within shouting distance of this marker); Pollard's Station (within shouting distance of this marker); What Made Her Do It?

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(about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Donner Summit Canyon History (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Snowsheds (approx. 1.4 miles away); Donner Summit Overlook (approx. 1½ miles away); Donner Summit Bridge (approx. 1½ miles away); Transcontinental Railroad (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Truckee.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, October 13, 2012

2. First Wagons Across the Sierras Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2012, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 619 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 15, 2012, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.