Near Dardanelle in Tuolumne County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Route of the Bartleson-Bidwell Party - 1841
Photographed By James King, July 18, 2007
1. Route of the Bartleson-Bidwell Party - 1841 Marker
The Bartleson-Bidwell party of 34 people was the first emigrant group to cross the Sierra Nevada mountains from the east. When they passed through this area during late October 1841, some of the party tried to follow the river. The impassable canyon to the left of the vista forced them to rejoin the party on the ridge trail across the canyon. Finally, starved and worn out, they arrived in the San Joaquin Valley.
Erected by USFS, Stanislaus National Forest.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1841.
Location. 38° 20.513′ N, 119° 55.474′ W. Marker is near Dardanelle, California, in Tuolumne County. Marker can be reached from Mono Way (California Route 108) 15.2 miles Herring Creek Lane. Heading east on Hwy 108 toward Sonora Pass, from Herring Creek Road in Strawberry (this is the street the Post Office is on), go 15.2 miles to Donnell's Vista (sometimes called Donnell's Overlook). Turn into the parking area on the left and park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pinecrest CA 95364, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Last Battle (a few steps from this marker); Hayes Station
this page online
More about this marker. There is a paved footpath that leads from the southeast corner of the parking area down to the overlook. The sign is along this path.
Also see . . . Bartleson–Bidwell Party. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on June 18, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By James King, July 18, 2007
2. The Ridgetop
Photographed By James King, July 18, 2007
3. The Ridgetop
Photographed By James King, July 18, 2007
4. The Canyon
It's filled with a lake now, but you can see that it gets awfully narrow.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 1,355 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 18, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
