The first hydraulic mining originated on American Hill near Nevada City, California in 1853. This miners (sic) giant known as The Monitor washed hillsides away under high pressure uncovering gold bearing gravel beds. This mining technique . . . — — Map (db m40364) HM
This hotel, one of the oldest in continuous operation west of the Rockies, opened for business in August, 1856. Originally known as The “Bicknell Block”. The structure consists of three common-walled buildings of simple brick . . . — — Map (db m12891) HM
Trinity Episcopal Church, founded as a parish in 1855, opened for divine service in this building on November 2, 1873. Previously on this site was “Caldwell’s Upper Store”, built in 1849 for the miners of Upper Deer Creek Dry Diggings, . . . — — Map (db m40294) HM
Exact replica of wife’s Ante-Bellum Colonial birthplace.
Only edifice of this type in California. Stewart, an early Nevada County District Attorney, joined 1859 Comstock silver rush. Led battle for statehood and became Nevada’s first U.S. . . . — — Map (db m40318) HM
History
Today people travel swiftly along I-80 to their destinations in the Sierra, many times not even staying overnight. When they do stay overnight it is most likely in hotels or rental houses.
It was not always that way. Before I-80 . . . — — Map (db m81970) HM
History
Love - Excitement - Pathos - Humor. It’s all in “The Gold Rush” which was filmed at Sugar Bowl (and Truckee).
“The Gold Rush,” written, produced, directed, and starring Charlie Chaplin was one of . . . — — Map (db m81934) HM
History
Clair Tappaan Lodge was hand-built by a hearty group of Sierra Club volunteers in 1934 as a retreat for hikers, skiers and mountain climbers. This rustic building, consisting of post and beam construction, was designed by Walter . . . — — Map (db m129660) HM
History
The first wagon trains, the first transcontinental railroad, and the first transcontinental highway crossed Donner Summit. So did the first transcontinental airway.
When airplanes were new, pilots flew by the "seat of their pants" . . . — — Map (db m130536) HM
Dedicated to the pioneers who blazed the
Overland Trail through these mountains.
Built by the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads and the California Highway Commission
1925-1926.
This tablet placed by the Historic Landmarks Committee of the . . . — — Map (db m94763) HM
History
“I don’t believe I have adequate words to describe the real beauty of Donner Pass. As we stood looking down I had a floating sensation… I lost all fear as I looked at one of the most beautiful blue lakes (Donner Lake) I have . . . — — Map (db m81894) HM
Beneath this plaque the first transcontinental railroad traversed the mighty Sierra Nevada range. The 1659 foot long summit tunnel took over 15 months of Chinese muscle and sweat to build. The Chinese painstakingly hand drilled, then blasted the . . . — — Map (db m95506) HM
History
Lincoln and James Hutchinson, for whom Hutchinson Lodge is named, were born in the late 1860's in San Francisco of pioneer parents. Both were educated at University of California Berkeley and Harvard. James was a charter member of the . . . — — Map (db m129658) HM
Dedicated August 10, 1986 in honor of
Charles Fayette McGlashan
1847-1931
Truckee’s patriarch, historian, author, editor, attorney, legislator, inventor, entomologist and astronomer.
His last public address was given in 1926 at . . . — — Map (db m81893) HM
"If only the Sierra might be pierced." Atlantic Monthly December, 1867
History
"Crazy Judah." Theodore Judah had some strange ideas. He wanted to build a railroad across the continent. People knew it could not be done. The . . . — — Map (db m105198) HM
History
“new addition… modern design… large new ski hut… semi-rustic design… oiled pine walls … ideally suited to skiers’ requirements… central heating… Norden awaits the opening of the winter sports season.” So advertised . . . — — Map (db m81875) HM
History
The Washoe Tribe lived on the eastern face of the Sierra Nevada mountains for more than 6,000 years. They didn’t actually call themselves the Washoe Tribe, though. They called themselves the Waashiw (Wa-she-shu) tribe, meaning . . . — — Map (db m81899) HM
History
The bridge “eliminated for all time the terrors of the Donner grade from the state highway system of California.”
Automobile travel could be a harrying affair in the old days and Donner Summit was a difficult route. . . . — — Map (db m81898) HM
The rocks here are carved with ancient symbols called petroglyphs.
They were created by pecking the surface of the rock with a tool called a hammerstone. These petroglyphs are thought to be several thousand years old. — — Map (db m81931) HM
History
When Bill Klien, who would transform skiing himself, invited Hannes Schroll to Donner Summit from Yosemite in 1937, the ski industry was about to change. Hannes was a dare-devil champion skier whose yodels as he tore down mountains . . . — — Map (db m81933) HM
History
The current building at the head of Donner Pass on Old 40 was built for the Division of Highways in 1931 to serve as a dormitory for highway workers. That was the first winter the road was plowed and on-call workers needed . . . — — Map (db m81881) HM
History
The coming of the railroad made it easy for well-heeled tourists to visit Donner Summit and with the building of a large hotel, they came. Whole families came to enjoy the summit and stay for weeks at a time.
The first Summit . . . — — Map (db m81880) HM
History
Summit Valley has been the scene of human activity for thousands of years because it is a natural crossing of the Sierra. Native Americans traveled the valley moving from winter to summer residences. They left grinding rocks and . . . — — Map (db m81971) HM
History
William Wilson Wurster was the most “influential unknown architect in California.” He designed many houses and buildings such as Ghirardelli Square, Cowell College at UC Santa Cruz, as well as other U.C. and Stanford . . . — — Map (db m81939) HM
History
The ritual of arriving in early morning by train and taking the 15 minute ride in tractor drawn sleighs was in place for more than ten years after Sugar Bowl opened in 1939. It was the only way to get to Sugar Bowl. It was a cold . . . — — Map (db m81936) HM
History
Theodore Judah, who plotted the Central Pacific’s route over the Sierra and for whom Mt. Judah was named, thought it was only the mountains that needed conquering as the Central Pacific headed east to meet up with the Union Pacific. He . . . — — Map (db m81977) HM
History
It was a race. The Union and Central Pacific Railroads were crossing the continent with steel rails each trying to build the most miles and so get the most money from the government. The rugged Sierra and its winter climate were . . . — — Map (db m81883) HM
History
Because there were three lodges built on Forest Service land in the early 1930’s, they have always been referred to as the Tri-Lodges. The first of the three lodges built was der Naturfreund in 1931 (right). This is a private lodge . . . — — Map (db m81969) HM
History 1866 - Right here
Bam, bam, quarter turn; Bam, bam, quarter turn; Bam, bam, quarter turn; all day long, three shifts a day, day after day, week after week. Chinese workers pounded away at the solid granite. One worker held a star . . . — — Map (db m81878) HM
This was a major hydraulic operation in California. Its vast system of canals and flumes using a drainage tunnel 7800 feet long was termed a feat of engineering skill. It was the principal defendant in an anti-debris lawsuit settled by the Sawyer . . . — — Map (db m8505) HM
Californian, Clamper, Nevada County historian, newspaperman, friend and founding father of the Malakoff State Park in whose memory these benches were placed. — — Map (db m43689) HM
The 7874 foot tunnel, engineered by Hamilton Smith Jr. from the Malakoff Diggings, has its outlet in Humbug Creek 1 mile up stream. In the late 1870’s, tailings from the Malakoff Diggings filled the river channel to a depth of 60 feet. Remnants of . . . — — Map (db m45946) HM
One of the great engineering feats in Nevada County hydraulic mining history was the drilling of the 7,874 foot drain tunnel, nearly 200 feet below you.
This project was engineered by Hamilton Smith.
Eight vertical shafts of up to 200 feet . . . — — Map (db m43660) HM
Built at a cost of some 3,000 dollars, modeled after schoolhouses at nearby Sebastopol and Sweetland, it served the community until closed in 1941. Acquired from Washington School District, Nevada County, for public use and display. Restoration . . . — — Map (db m43662) HM
Local historians relate that water from high mountain lakes flowed thru a 500’ wooden ‘chute’ which led to a huge square tank or pressure box behind Campsite 29. Here it entered a 3’ pipe reduced to gain pressure to 2’, then down hill 200’ to the . . . — — Map (db m43668) HM
St. Columncille’s Catholic Church, formerly the Bridgeport Union Guard Hall, was used in 1860 to train men for the Civil War under Capt. Frank Coffey of French Corral.
In 1880 it was purchased as a house of worship for the Catholics of the . . . — — Map (db m43666) HM
Original Marker:
North San Juan Fire Department
In Commemoration of the establishment of this fire station in 1864
George S. Murphy
First Fire Chief
Replacement Marker:
N. S. J. F. D.
To the memory of the . . . — — Map (db m39826) HM
One of the oldest of this faith in continuous operation in California. Escaped three major fires which destroyed the town. The Rev. H.B. Sheldon first assigned Pastor. Rode circuit from Brandy City to French Corral on horseback. — — Map (db m39823) HM
The first school building on this site was moved from Flume Street in 1869. It burned in 1924, and this building was moved here from Lake Vera. This site operated as a school from 1869 until 1984.
It is currently used as a community center and . . . — — Map (db m39858) HM
[ Building consists of three sections. Marker #1 is mounted on the front of the far right section. Marker #2 is mounted on the front of the center section. ]
Marker #1:
Wells Fargo & Company
1854
Office and . . . — — Map (db m39859) HM
"Climbing the steep mountain road [from Bear Valley] to the summit, we struck off in a westerly course, along a heavily timbered ridge" John Steele, Sep 21, 1850 — — Map (db m148898) HM
In 1849 a Mr. Anthony staked out 160 acres on the north side of Deer Creek on the road which would become part of the Marysville-Henness Pass-Virginia City trade route, and built a house and out-buildings. While further details about Mr. Anthony are . . . — — Map (db m65966) HM
Built in 1862 by David Isaac John Wood with lumber from his mill in Sierra County, this bridge was part of the Virginia Turnpike Company toll road which served the northern mines and the busy Nevada Comstock Lode. Utilizing a combination truss and . . . — — Map (db m8540) HM
This covered bridge across the South Fork of the Yuba River at Bridgeport, Nevada Co., Calif. was built by David I. Wood in 1862 with lumber from his mill in Plum Valley, Sierra Co., Calif. Erected by Columbia Parlor No. 70, N.D.G.W., French Corral, . . . — — Map (db m8528) HM
Bridgeport Bridge, or “Wood’s Crossing”, is the longest single span covered bridge in existence. Used since 1862, built by David I. Wood. This plaque is dedicated to those pioneer Americans who came to California in search of a new life . . . — — Map (db m8539) HM
Built in 1862 by David J. Wood with lumber from his mill in Sierra County, the covered bridge was part of the Virginia Turnpike Company toll road that served the northern mines and the Nevada Comstock Lode. The associated ranch and resources for . . . — — Map (db m78339) HM
Anthony House Way Station, Pub & Tavern was located just off shore from Commodore Park. It was a stage stop between Marysville & the Virginia City Silver Mines. Jacob Van Blaren, a Civil War bugler, stopped at Anthony House for a period of time and . . . — — Map (db m113762) HM
Site of the first 3 story team & stage stop on the Henness Pass route to the Northern Mines & Comstock Lode. Built & operated by George & Veronica Schmidt served miners, travelers & teamsters. — — Map (db m45153) HM
Built in the mid 1850’s by John Fippin and John Single. Fippin married Single’s daughter, Julia, in 1867, and they raised 10 children. Local legend has it that one of Lotta Crabtree’s earliest performances was atop the anvil here. The building . . . — — Map (db m10561) HM
Indian women used grinding rocks such as these, along with a linear rock called a “pestle”, to grind grass seeds, acorns and other foods during the meal preparation process, which included gathering, storing, leaching and cooking. It is . . . — — Map (db m39871) HM
This community of 3000 people seceeded from the Union to declare a free and independant state. Colonel E.F. Brundage was elected President. Congressional action on California statehood was pending at the time. — — Map (db m57991) HM
Established in 1849 and named in honor of General Zachary Taylor, after the Rough and Ready Company of miners from Wisconsin, this was one of the principal towns of Nevada County. In 1850, articles of secession were drawn up establishing the . . . — — Map (db m10560) HM
Built it 1859 by Benoni Thompson to collect tolls for using the Gephardt Union Turnpike running 6 miles from Penn Valley to Grass Valley. The last remaining original toll house in the West. It served as a Wells Fargo Express office and stage stop, . . . — — Map (db m39865) HM
In the 1860’s there were four saw mills in this area. This display, in honor of his founding fathers, is from the Tom Rowe Saw Mill, and displays how the mill works. The foreman stood in the cage and called out the beam size (8x8, 12x12, etc.) then . . . — — Map (db m39895) HM
In the 1850’s, Chinese laborers, who were an essential part of the community, built the wall you see before you. Large natural stones were hand stacked for its construction. The wall extends five miles in either direction, however much of it has . . . — — Map (db m39829) HM
Across the street from this location is a tree stump in which the original stake exists that was used to close off the passage to travelers from Grass Valley to Penn Valley. Drivers who frequented this road had to stop at this location and pay the . . . — — Map (db m39821) HM
Originally a two story, L-shaped building. Mrs. Bridget Henderson ran it as a boarding house later selling to Mrs. Ellen Dewan, becoming the Dewan Hotel. Her son, Jim Dewan briefly ran Jim's Saloon along the side of the hotel. In 1935 Rex and Agnes . . . — — Map (db m100862) HM
Named for James Smart, who built the first hotel in 1856. Smartville was referred in the US Federal land grant of 1878, as Smartsville. Due to ruling by the US Post Office Department, in 1909. The name was changed back the Smartville. It stayed that . . . — — Map (db m100861) HM
This now quiet valley was once the site of the Gold-Rush Era town of Sucker Flat - and of the Blue Point and Blue Gravel Mines. These were two of the richest hydraulic mines in California. Which along with a number of other claims work the . . . — — Map (db m100992) HM
William M. Thomas of Thomas and Post Consulting Engineers designed the 685-foot-long Parks Bar Bridge in 1912 for Yuba County. The original 16-foot-wide bridge with four 140-foot-long arch spans was constructed by the Portland Concrete Pile Company . . . — — Map (db m54222) HM
History
California has some of the most productive farmland in the world and a population of 38 million people. California alone is on of the biggest economies in the world. Water is critical to that economy and Sierran snows are critical . . . — — Map (db m105197) HM
History
At one time there were many lodges and inns along Highway 40. Today one can drive from the Bay Area to Donner Summit in a couple of hours but when Highway 40 was the only route it was two lanes and went through every downtown on the . . . — — Map (db m129580) HM
History
Only 17 hours from Sacramento to Virginia City. "Safety and comfort can't be beat." "By far the best road constructed across the mountains." "Half the maximum grade" of other roads. "Constructed in the best in the best possible . . . — — Map (db m129648) HM
History
Before 1850 you drank your root beer or sarsaparilla warm in California. Then ice began to be imported from Alaska. No one realized there was a closer supply in the Sierra. Ice Lakes got its name from the ice industry that arrived . . . — — Map (db m129593) HM
History
There has been a dam at the end of Summit Valley since the 1870's as you can see if you look closely at the top photograph here. To the left of the dam you can also see the buildings that used to be the "downtown" Soda Springs . . . — — Map (db m129582) HM
America's Largest Nordic Ski Resort Opens
When Royal Gorge opened in the 70's, Nordic skiing in the U.S. was in its infancy. Since then, the sport has grown to near European popularity and Royal Gorge became renowned the world over, boasting . . . — — Map (db m129654) HM
A hero of the Sierra Nevada Mountains!
Probably the first skier of the West. This Viking son of Norway, exemplified the
spirit of a true pioneer. Strong, daring, faithful and courageous he was the answer to California’s motto
“Bring Me . . . — — Map (db m60514) HM
History
Before the coming of the hotels and ski areas, the only Summit industry was the railroad. There had been a few dairies, two ice houses, sheep and some lumbering, even a still on the hill, but the railroad was key to the Summit. . . . — — Map (db m105196) HM
History
There have been many Soda Springs stores over the years on both sides of the railroad tracks. The original Soda Springs Store serviced the many industries on the Summit: ice harvesting, diaries, lumber mills, sheep grazing, and of . . . — — Map (db m105170) HM
In June of 1863, the trapper Henry Hartley discovered gold bearing ore here and staked out the Excelsior Company claims. Exaggerated reports and a 1865 market panic in the Comstock mines of Virginia City brought thousands of miners overnight to the . . . — — Map (db m68759) HM
History
For thousands of years Native Americans from what is now Nevada called Summit Valley their summer home. They came to hunt, fish, gather food, and trade with Native Americans from what is now California. We can see evidence of their . . . — — Map (db m129595) HM
History
"The sound of the bells when it was quiet (no trains), was magical to hear."
The tinkle of bells on the lead sheep was once a common sound in Summit Valley late in the summer and fall.
Lake Van Norden filled with water with . . . — — Map (db m129645) HM
Downhill ski racing history in the Western Hemisphere first began in California circa 1857, and in this famous Donner Pass of the Sierra Nevada the Auburn Ski Club presents a full exhibition of pioneered manpower transportation and skisport history . . . — — Map (db m60888) HM
The two modern buildings replaced structures built in the early 20th Century and were used in two of Truckee’s notorious industries • Bootlegging and prostitution. They upheld a tradition begun on this street in the 1870’s. Many a thirst was slaked . . . — — Map (db m60889) HM
The Donner family and their hired teamsters left Springfield, Illinois in April, 1846. At Independence, Missouri, their wagons joined hundreds of others traveling west on the Oregon-California Trail.
The New Captain Takes a Shortcut . . . — — Map (db m129925) HM
Boca's Railroad Roots
From 1866-68, the Central Pacific Railroad was laying tracks over the Sierra Nevada working to complete its portion of the nation's first transcontinental railroad. The railroad's Construction Camp 17, here, at the . . . — — Map (db m62048) HM
Needed to house and maintain the engines of the Central Pacific Railroad during construction of the Trans-Sierra
Crossing, an enclosed wooden round house was constructed here in 1868. It was razed by fire in March 1869. A 16 stall wooden structure . . . — — Map (db m112520) HM
The legendary Paiute leader; friend and guide; breveted a “Captain” by John C. Fremont; gave his name to this valley, river and town: died near Payton, Nevada, in 1860. — — Map (db m60320) HM
History
Things to do right here
"They were a great army laying siege to Nature in her strongest citadel." -- Beyond the Mississippi, 1869.
They worked sunrise to sunset, six days a week, 52 weeks a year. Had it not been for the . . . — — Map (db m129733) HM
Charles Crocker, Construction Chief of the Central Pacific Railroad (CPRR), contracted for a workforce of approximately 12,000 Chinese laborers to push the CPRR tracks over its Trans-Sierra Crossing on its race east to a meet with the Union Pacific . . . — — Map (db m23564) HM
First steam railroad logging operation in the Truckee River Basin. Commenced operation in the late 1870's under the supervision of Fred Burckhalter, head of the Pacific Lumber and Wood Co. Line extended 10 miles along Juniper Creek with hopes of . . . — — Map (db m105205) HM
On October 28, 1846 the six covered wagons brought west by George and Jacob Donner and their families halted here for repairs. By March of 1847 one half of the party of 22 adults and children had died of starvation and cold. They came west seeking a . . . — — Map (db m60507) HM
Near this spot stood the tree which marked what was believed to be the campsite of the family of George Donner in the winter of 1846. The tree stood for 150 years (missing) the Donner families camped in Alder Creek before it succumbed to Mother . . . — — Map (db m129928) HM
History
The Donner Lake area is not only an exciting place to live and adventure, but also has lots of interesting history. The story of the Donner Party crossing over this amazing and majestic mountain range (1847) has spread through the . . . — — Map (db m129736) HM
The face of this rock formed the north end and the fireplace of the Murphy cabin. General Stephan W. Kearny, on June 22, 1847, buried, under the middle of the cabin the bodies found in the vicinity. Following is a complete list of the members of the . . . — — Map (db m94061) HM
Near this spot stood the Breen cabin of the party of emigrants who started for California from Springfield, Illinois, in April 1846, under the leadership of Captain George Donner. Delays occurred and when the party reached this locality, on October . . . — — Map (db m94058) HM
Donner Party Camp at Alder Creek Valley
In the Fall of 1846, 25 Members of The Donner Party became Trapped by an Early Snowstorm here at Alder Creek Valley. The George and Jacob Donner Families, their Teamsters, and Fellow Travelers Suffered . . . — — Map (db m60303) HM
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.
By Foot
Long before it’s “discovery” . . . — — Map (db m23571) HM
History
The first ski lift on Signal Hill (now Donner Ski Ranch) was built by Johnny Ellis in 1937. This forerunner of the "Ranch" included two rope tows powered by Model A automobiles sitting on blocks (the manila rope going around the . . . — — Map (db m105199) HM
Welcome to Donner Summit Canyon
You are about to enjoy a wonderful experience with exquisite views, forests and trails. It is also the gateway to the most important square mile in California’s history! Donner Pass, located above the property, . . . — — Map (db m81978) HM
Erected by Joseph Gray at S.W. corner of present day Bridge and Spring Streets to serve Dutch Flat Wagon Road traffic over Donner Pass. — — Map (db m60330) HM
The nearby monument was envisioned in 1929 by C. F. McGlashan, Truckee’s foremost resident 1872-1931 and author of the 1880 classic, The History of the Donner Party; P.M. Weddell, who placed wooden signs on the Donner Trail from Verdi, Nevada . . . — — Map (db m176342) HM
While construction on Sierra tunnels delayed Central Pacific, advance forces at Truckee began building forty miles of track east and west of Truckee moving all supplies by wagon and sled. Summit Tunnel was opened in December, 1867. The line reached . . . — — Map (db m23560) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m60305) HM
One of Truckee’s earliest settlers. Schaffer in 1866 built the first lumber mill in the town. He freighted the locomotive San Mateo to Truckee in a winter crossing of the Sierra prior to the laying of Central Pacific tracks. This building “The . . . — — Map (db m60580) HM
"This building was originally constructed during the 1860's boom years, a period of unprecedented growth and prosperity in Truckee's history. Its builder, and purported
occupant, George Schaffer was a legendary figure that helped shape Truckee's . . . — — Map (db m156891) HM
This Monument Marks the Townsite of
Hobart Mills
California
A logging and lumber enterprise
of sixty-six years life in
the Sierra Nevada Mountains
It Commemorates and Honors its Founder
Walter Scott Hobart
1839 - 1892 . . . — — Map (db m129935) HM
Walter Scott Hobart's Sierra Nevada Wood & Lumber Company moved machinery, buildings and railroad equipment here from Lake Tahoe in 1896. The town and business flourished for 40 years. Ceasing operations in 1936. Fiberboard Corporation operated a . . . — — Map (db m129936) HM
Originally built in October 1948 by Kullman Diner Co. Newark, New Jersey and shipped to West Chester, PA. known as the “Birmingham Grill” where it continually operated until purchased by the Carey Family in 1992. On July 26, 1995 the . . . — — Map (db m60578) HM