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 m275590) 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 m293886) 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
In the heart of Truckee's historic Church Street district, the Church of the Mountains Campus consists of three enduring structures. Erected in 1869, the Church of the Mountains proudly stands as Truckee's oldest church. This place of worship, . . . — — Map (db m270011) 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
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 . . . — — Map (db m270003) 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
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
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
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” by . . . — — 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
In constructing the transcontinental railroad Central Pacific found there was not enough labor and turned to importing Chinese labor. The Chinese eventually made up 80% of the work force of up to 12,000 workers. The Chinese were extremely . . . — — Map (db m284660) HM
History
In the old days, when it snowed over Donner Summit, the roads closed. Because an average of 34 feet of snow falls annually on Donner Summit, the roads over the pass closed in winter.
Wendell Robie and the Auburn Ski Club worked . . . — — Map (db m284662) 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
The Emigrant Trail in the pioneer days of California came through the low pass to the north, facing this monument. The trail turned west at this point for a distance of twenty-six hundred feet where a tablet describes the route then followed. — — Map (db m176338) HM
The Emigrant Trail in the pioneer days of California turned to the south at this point for approximately three miles, then west across the summit of the Sierras about a mile south of the present railroad.
It was here that the Donner Party . . . — — Map (db m274172) 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
By December 20th, the outlook was grim. Jacob Donner and three of the teamsters had died. The cold and dampness were constant. As snow piled higher, dry fire wood was harder to find.
Tall tree stumps were once numerous throughout this area. They . . . — — Map (db m146234) 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
This cabin was one of several built by Jack Wolert for Dick Joseph in 1939 on US Route 40. The cabin was constructed of lumber salvaged from houses being dismantled 3 miles north of Truckee at Hobart Mills and served as the Gateway Motel’s Office. . . . — — Map (db m60318) 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
History: The current large 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 m284668) 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 diner . . . — — Map (db m309884) HM
The Lincoln Highway Association was incorporated to bring together a transcontinental highway from amongst the various and fragmented paths, trails and city streets across America. Its goal was to create the shortest route between New York and San . . . — — Map (db m309898) HM
The Pioneer Monument honors all the emigrants who followed the Truckee River route into California.
Unveiled in 1918, this monument stands at one of the most historic sites in emigrant history. Nearby, trapped by snow during the winter of . . . — — Map (db m275513) HM
They were the first to take wagons through the new Hastings Cutoff. Although shorter, it was a difficult detour through rugged mountains and arid deserts. The emigrants lost valuable time, oxen, and supplies. One person was banished. Five people . . . — — Map (db m129926) HM
On this site Joseph Delos Pollard constructed the first resort on the west end of Donner Lake. Between mid 1864 and early 1868 Pollard’s Station on the Dutch Flat and Donner Lake Wagon Road was office to the Pioneer Stage Co. and Wells, Fargo & Co. . . . — — Map (db m60506) HM
A natural glacier formation, or the work of an unknown tribe as a form of altar. It’s exact origin will never be known. The perfectly balanced stone until recently would rock at the touch of a finger.
C.F. McGlashan built the original tower in . . . — — Map (db m23527) HM
Near this spot stood a small cabin built by 18 year old Moses Schallenberger and two other men. They were members of the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy party of 1844, the first pioneers to take wagons over the Sierra Nevada, opening the Truckee Route of . . . — — Map (db m94059) HM
With threatening weather overhead, the Donners quickly set up camp. Crowded into inadequate shelters, these desperate people watched it snow.
As the snow got deeper, it wiped out all hope of leaving before spring.
People (age) at . . . — — Map (db m129927) HM
The Masonic and Odd Fellows Lodges each established cemeteries here in 1869 or 1870 to provide a burial place for their deceased. Catholics established a cemetery to the Southwest. Pioneers and prominent citizens within the original fenced cemetery . . . — — Map (db m60331) HM
On May 22, 1844, this small wagon party of 50 men, women and children “jumped off” from Council Bluffs, Iowa, bound for California. These courageous pioneers were the first emigrants to take wagons over the Sierra Nevada, opening the . . . — — Map (db m23567) HM
In February, 1847, the first relief party from Sutter's Fort arrived. Two more relief parties came in March. These relief parties took 14 people from here out across the frozen Sierra. Only 11 survived (8 were children). Five people remained at . . . — — Map (db m146235) HM
As Chief Engineer of the Central Pacific Railroad, Judah’s engineering skill, political savvy and financial genius, along with the promoters’ capital, culminated in formation and construction of the Trans – Sierra leg of the first . . . — — Map (db m23513) 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 m270005) HM
Boca once boasted a population of about 200, mostly men under 40. Frontiersmen from Maine, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Nevada, Ireland, Germany, China and Italy were among the residents. The mixture of men from different countries, . . . — — Map (db m275591) HM
In 1866 the Central Pacific Railroad in their push east over the Sierra Nevada set up Construction Camp 17 just downstream from here at the confluence of the Truckee River and the Little Truckee River. Camp 17 quickly became known as Boca, Spanish . . . — — Map (db m113830) HM
First known as Gray’s Toll Station, then Coburn’s Station, Truckee was established in 1863. Renowned for its lumber industry, Transcontinental Railroad, icehouses, saloons and red light district, Truckee has never been known for her laid back . . . — — Map (db m309889) HM
The Central Pacific Railroad constructed an enclosed wooden roundhouse in 1868 at a site near this location. It was razed by fire in March 1869. Then a 4-stall wooden structure with 4-engines per stall capacity was built as the maintenance . . . — — Map (db m309910) HM
In 1863, Joseph Gray built Truckee’s first structure on this site for use as the Dutch Flat–Donner Lake Wagon Road’s Toll Station. The old log structure was moved in 1907 to the Englehart property on Church Street, one block east of this site, . . . — — Map (db m23545) HM
The pioneers began their trek across the continent with expectations of a new life. In sparsely populated California they could have land with fertile soil and a pleasant climate.
They heard about the wonders of California through letters sent . . . — — Map (db m129946) HM
History
Today each August hundreds of swimmers take to the 65º water of Donner Lake and swim its 2.7 mile long length. Each swimmer has lots of company.
On August 19 (sic, 18), 1935 though, it was a different story. On that day 17 . . . — — Map (db m129739) HM
Dedicated to
California’s sons and daughters
who served their country
in the World War 1917 -1918
and to the memory of
those who gave the
“last full measure of devotion”
— — Map (db m270008) HM
