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Tahoe History QuestionTahoe History Question Name (T-M-S) the first Name (T-M-S) the first
California Overland trail party California Overland trail party that brought wagons over the that brought wagons over the Sierra Nevada? Year? Routes Sierra Nevada? Year? Routes used during the break up of used during the break up of the main party at Donner Lake, the main party at Donner Lake, the person who stayed the the person who stayed the winter, and what is unique winter, and what is unique about the number of the about the number of the people who finished the people who finished the journey, what happened to the journey, what happened to the men when they first reached men when they first reached Sutter’s Fort, the year etc…Sutter’s Fort, the year etc…
.
To Reno
To Carson City
8989
8928
28
431
50
207
Lake Tahoe
You realize You realize that four that four wheel drive wheel drive does not does not mean four mean four wheel stop.wheel stop.
You know you’re You know you’re a Tahoe Local if:a Tahoe Local if:
you thought it you thought it was was absolutely absolutely appropriate to appropriate to wear flip wear flip flops, shorts flops, shorts and a down and a down parka in the parka in the morning and morning and snow boots in snow boots in the evening.the evening.
You know you’re You know you’re a Tahoe Local if:a Tahoe Local if:
In Week #2 We LearnedIn Week #2 We Learned United States History prior to United States History prior to
18441844 Emigrant Trail beginnings Emigrant Trail beginnings John C. Fremont – 1844John C. Fremont – 1844 Townsend-Murphy-Stevens Townsend-Murphy-Stevens
Party 1844Party 1844 Donner Party 1846 - 1847Donner Party 1846 - 1847 California Gold Rush 1849. California Gold Rush 1849. Calif. boundary and Tahoe Gold.Calif. boundary and Tahoe Gold. This week #3, we will learn This week #3, we will learn
aboutabout Overland Trail, 40 mile desert Overland Trail, 40 mile desert Settlers Arrive at Lake Tahoe Settlers Arrive at Lake Tahoe The Lust for Silver –Virginia CityThe Lust for Silver –Virginia City The Cost of MiningThe Cost of Mining
Highway 50 Wagon Train From Carson Highway 50 Wagon Train From Carson City to Sacramento in Early JuneCity to Sacramento in Early June
Tahoe Wagon FreighterTahoe Wagon Freighter
Tahoe Settlers and the Overland Tahoe Settlers and the Overland Trail to CaliforniaTrail to California
The trail to California had been established by fur trapping The trail to California had been established by fur trapping mountain men and later members of the "Emigrant mountain men and later members of the "Emigrant Societies" formed in the 1840's. Societies" formed in the 1840's.
The efforts had established a passable wagon road to The efforts had established a passable wagon road to California over the four main obstacles: California over the four main obstacles:
Through the Rocky Mts.,Through the Rocky Mts., Around the Great Salt Lake Desert in Utah, Around the Great Salt Lake Desert in Utah, Across the Forty-mile desert in NevadaAcross the Forty-mile desert in Nevada Up and over the Sierra Nevada’s. The result was a journey of Up and over the Sierra Nevada’s. The result was a journey of
2,000 miles in a single summer and fall, by oxen or horses 2,000 miles in a single summer and fall, by oxen or horses averaging 15 miles a day, which meant a voyage of about averaging 15 miles a day, which meant a voyage of about five months. five months. http://members.aol.com/DanMRosen/donner/westward.htmhttp://members.aol.com/DanMRosen/donner/westward.htm
Between 1849 to 1859 20,000 (estimate) over land Between 1849 to 1859 20,000 (estimate) over land emigrants died– an average of 10 graves per mile.emigrants died– an average of 10 graves per mile. Meldahal, Meldahal, Hard Hard Road WestRoad West University of Chicago Press 2008 pg 14 University of Chicago Press 2008 pg 14
United States Expansion Started with United States Expansion Started with Trading PostsTrading Posts
Early 1800’s, trading posts were built for Early 1800’s, trading posts were built for commercial reasons, not military. commercial reasons, not military.
Many trading posts used by Native Americans Many trading posts used by Native Americans were licensed by the federal government and were licensed by the federal government and called “factories”. called “factories”.
Tribes conceded substantial territory to the Tribes conceded substantial territory to the United States ($1000 for protection) and to United States ($1000 for protection) and to have access the "factories" at Fort Clark. In have access the "factories" at Fort Clark. In 1808 Treaty of Fort Clark1808 Treaty of Fort Clark in which the Osage in which the Osage Indian Nation conceded most of Missouri. Indian Nation conceded most of Missouri.
United States purchased Louisiana in 1803 from United States purchased Louisiana in 1803 from France but still had to make treaties with the France but still had to make treaties with the local tribes.local tribes.
Trading PostsTrading Posts St. Louis, Missouri, on the West side of St. Louis, Missouri, on the West side of
the Mississippi/Missouri River confluence, the Mississippi/Missouri River confluence, was a trading post and flourished into the was a trading post and flourished into the fur trading capital. fur trading capital.
1843 privately owned Fort Bridger 1843 privately owned Fort Bridger Trading Post was built for the settlers and Trading Post was built for the settlers and pioneers as they traveled the overland pioneers as they traveled the overland trail.trail.
Trading PostsTrading Posts Early traveler notesEarly traveler notes, “This fort is owned , “This fort is owned
by Bridger and Basquez. [sic] It is built by Bridger and Basquez. [sic] It is built of poles and dogwood mud. It is a of poles and dogwood mud. It is a shabby concern.” shabby concern.” http://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/bridger.htmlhttp://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/bridger.html
Many times the trading post were Many times the trading post were broken down cabins. To the travelers it broken down cabins. To the travelers it was a welcome sight for repairing was a welcome sight for repairing wagons, getting a hot meal and trading wagons, getting a hot meal and trading for fresh livestock.for fresh livestock.
Fort Bridger 1849
Before Emigrants Crossed the ContinentBefore Emigrants Crossed the Continent 1804 Lewis and Clark spent five months at Fort 1804 Lewis and Clark spent five months at Fort
Mandan, North Dakota obtaining information Mandan, North Dakota obtaining information from Indians and French-Canadian traders. A from Indians and French-Canadian traders. A French-Canadian trapper named Toussaint French-Canadian trapper named Toussaint Charbonneau visited the captains with his Charbonneau visited the captains with his Shoshone wife, Sacagawea. Shoshone wife, Sacagawea.
1807 Manuel Lisa Early organized the 1807 Manuel Lisa Early organized the mountain men into a large beaver fur trading mountain men into a large beaver fur trading companies. He built a chain of forts along the companies. He built a chain of forts along the Missouri River.Missouri River.
1812 John Jacob Astor set up forts in Oregon 1812 John Jacob Astor set up forts in Oregon for fur trading. for fur trading. http://www.isu.edu/~trinmich/Discoverers.htmlhttp://www.isu.edu/~trinmich/Discoverers.html
1812 Astor’s Pacific Fur Company 1812 Astor’s Pacific Fur Company Trading Posts Trading Posts (War of 1812 at the same time)(War of 1812 at the same time)
http://www.thefurtrapper.com/astorians.htm
The RendezvousThe Rendezvous 1822 William Ashley sent his men out 1822 William Ashley sent his men out
alone and made arrangements to meet alone and made arrangements to meet them all at a centrally-located place a year them all at a centrally-located place a year later and replenish his men. later and replenish his men.
At that time a wild party they called "the At that time a wild party they called "the rendezvous." Every year throughout the rendezvous." Every year throughout the 1820s and 30s it was the same: gambling, 1820s and 30s it was the same: gambling, drinking, storytelling that went on for drinking, storytelling that went on for days.days.
By the late 1830s, beaver hats were going By the late 1830s, beaver hats were going out of style and the silk hat were in style. out of style and the silk hat were in style. The era of the Mountain Man had passed The era of the Mountain Man had passed and the age of the pioneer was beginning.and the age of the pioneer was beginning. http://www.isu.edu/~trinmich/Discoverers.htmlhttp://www.isu.edu/~trinmich/Discoverers.html
1822 Ashley’s Rendezvous - 1822 Ashley’s Rendezvous - Jeremiah Johnson -1972 MovieJeremiah Johnson -1972 Movie
Jeremiah (Redford) turns Jeremiah (Redford) turns his back on civilization, his back on civilization, circa 1827, and learns circa 1827, and learns the wilderness code of the wilderness code of survival. Jeremiah survival. Jeremiah eventually has an Indian eventually has an Indian wife and adopts a son. wife and adopts a son.
When Crow warriors When Crow warriors (Montana) kill his family, (Montana) kill his family, he begins a one-man he begins a one-man revenge mission, gaining revenge mission, gaining legendary status as a legendary status as a warrior. warrior.
"In 1811, the overland party of Mr. Astor's expedition "In 1811, the overland party of Mr. Astor's expedition found the Indians so very troublesome in the country found the Indians so very troublesome in the country of the Yellowstone River.of the Yellowstone River.
June, 1812, considering it dangerous to pass again June, 1812, considering it dangerous to pass again by the Yellowstone River route of 1811, turned by the Yellowstone River route of 1811, turned toward the southeast and, after several days' toward the southeast and, after several days' journey, came through the 7000 foot 'South Pass' in journey, came through the 7000 foot 'South Pass' in the month of November, 1812.the month of November, 1812.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Passhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Pass
'South Pass' November, 1812. 'South Pass' November, 1812.
The The Sweetwater RiverSweetwater River is a is a tributary of the North Platte tributary of the North Platte River, approximately 150 mi River, approximately 150 mi long, in Wyoming. It rises in at long, in Wyoming. It rises in at the continental divide near South the continental divide near South Pass.Pass. http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/places/states/wyoming/wy_sweetwater.htmhttp://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/places/states/wyoming/wy_sweetwater.htm
Why Move a Family Across the Why Move a Family Across the United States?United States?
East Coast economic depressions in 1837 East Coast economic depressions in 1837 and 1841. At the same time, eastern and 1841. At the same time, eastern churches formed missionary societies for churches formed missionary societies for Christianity to evangelize the West. Christianity to evangelize the West.
The primary wagon was the “Prairie The primary wagon was the “Prairie Schooners” usually measured 4 feet wide Schooners” usually measured 4 feet wide by 12 feet long. by 12 feet long. http://www.americanwest.com/trails/pages/oretrail.htmhttp://www.americanwest.com/trails/pages/oretrail.htm
“Prairie Schooner”
Prairie Schooner in Sutter FortPrairie Schooner in Sutter Fort
Early travelers to PacificEarly travelers to Pacific
1827 1827 Jedediah Smith: first known American to Jedediah Smith: first known American to traverse California's rugged Sierra Nevada traverse California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains. From West to the East!Mountains. From West to the East!
1828, 1828, Peter Skene Ogden discovered the Peter Skene Ogden discovered the Humboldt River. Canadian working for the Humboldt River. Canadian working for the Hudson’s Bay Company Explored – UtahHudson’s Bay Company Explored – Utah
1832 1832 Bonneville explored Oregon and Nevada’s Bonneville explored Oregon and Nevada’s Great Basin.Great Basin.
1833: 1833: Joseph Walker (Walker Lake - Hawthorn Joseph Walker (Walker Lake - Hawthorn NV) led a group of 65 trappers from the Green NV) led a group of 65 trappers from the Green River to California and back, becoming the first River to California and back, becoming the first to use what was to become the California trial to use what was to become the California trial along the Humboldt River.along the Humboldt River.
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/trailofthe49ers/trail.htmhttp://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/trailofthe49ers/trail.htm
1810 Alexander VonHumboldt, for scientific exploration, as one of the most prominent figures in Europe at the time. With the exception of Napoleon Bonaparte, Humboldt was the most famous man in Europe.
Early travelers to CaliforniaEarly travelers to California 1833:1833: Bonneville suggested to Walker that he should take a party Bonneville suggested to Walker that he should take a party
of men to California. The beaver population declined in the Rocky of men to California. The beaver population declined in the Rocky Mountains. Mountains.
1841: 1841: The Bartelson-Bidwell Party were the first emigrants The Bartelson-Bidwell Party were the first emigrants through the South Pass and to take the trail to California. They through the South Pass and to take the trail to California. They abandoned their wagons just west of present day Wells, Nevada abandoned their wagons just west of present day Wells, Nevada (Hwy 80 near Utah border). Their party included the first white (Hwy 80 near Utah border). Their party included the first white woman (Nancy Kelsey) and child to make the trip. Lead by Tom woman (Nancy Kelsey) and child to make the trip. Lead by Tom “Broken Hand” Fitzpatrick“Broken Hand” Fitzpatrick
1843: 1843: The Chiles-Walker Party became the first to take wagons The Chiles-Walker Party became the first to take wagons across Nevada. South to Kern County then up the Central Valley.across Nevada. South to Kern County then up the Central Valley.
18441844: February 14 Fremont wrote down the sighting of Lake : February 14 Fremont wrote down the sighting of Lake Tahoe. Also in the party: Kit Carson and Tom “Broken Hand Tahoe. Also in the party: Kit Carson and Tom “Broken Hand Fitzpatrick. No wagons over the summitFitzpatrick. No wagons over the summit
1844: 1844: November 16, 1844November 16, 1844 The Stevens Townsend Murphy Party The Stevens Townsend Murphy Party became the first non military group to take wagons across the became the first non military group to take wagons across the Sierras.Sierras.
1846: 1846: Mormon BattalionMormon Battalion 1846: 1846: The Donner party The Donner party http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/trailofthe49ers/trail.htmhttp://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/trailofthe49ers/trail.htm
Jedediah Smith 1827Jedediah Smith 1827
18331833 Joseph Walker Joseph Walker
1833, Bonneville suggested to Walker that he 1833, Bonneville suggested to Walker that he should take a party of men to California. The beaver should take a party of men to California. The beaver population declined in the Rocky Mountains.population declined in the Rocky Mountains.Walker and his party of forty men, each man taking Walker and his party of forty men, each man taking four horses.four horses.One to ride and three to carry supplies. This One to ride and three to carry supplies. This included 60 pounds of dried meat per man. included 60 pounds of dried meat per man. Walker decided to follow the Humboldt River into Walker decided to follow the Humboldt River into Nevada. Nevada.
18331833 Joseph Walker Joseph Walker
When they reached the Sierra Nevada, several When they reached the Sierra Nevada, several men argued that they should be allowed to go men argued that they should be allowed to go back. back.
Walker continued and after killing and eating Walker continued and after killing and eating some of the horses, they came out of the Sierra some of the horses, they came out of the Sierra through the Yosemite Valley. through the Yosemite Valley.
While in California, they experienced their first While in California, they experienced their first earthquake and viewed giant redwood trees. earthquake and viewed giant redwood trees.
By November 1833 they saw the Pacific Ocean. By November 1833 they saw the Pacific Ocean. They spent 3 months building up their strength They spent 3 months building up their strength to return. Six of the party enjoyed California so to return. Six of the party enjoyed California so much they stayed. much they stayed.
18331833 Joseph Walker Lake Joseph Walker Lake
On Highway 95 between Reno and On Highway 95 between Reno and Las Vegas. Walker Lake is just north Las Vegas. Walker Lake is just north of Hawthorne, Nevada. of Hawthorne, Nevada.
Walker Lake is that it is one of only Walker Lake is that it is one of only six freshwater (slightly salty) six freshwater (slightly salty) terminal lakes in the world. terminal lakes in the world. Pyramid Pyramid Lake and four lakes in Central Asia Lake and four lakes in Central Asia being the othersbeing the others
With over a century of upriver With over a century of upriver agricultural diversions, Walker Lake agricultural diversions, Walker Lake has lost over three fourths of its has lost over three fourths of its volume. The lake level has fallen by volume. The lake level has fallen by 140 feet and the meandering shore 140 feet and the meandering shore line boundary has receded 25 miles line boundary has receded 25 miles since 1906. Salt levels have since 1906. Salt levels have increased to a point which now increased to a point which now threaten the trout fishery. Mono, threaten the trout fishery. Mono, Pyramid, Great Salt Lake are salty.Pyramid, Great Salt Lake are salty.
Walker Lake
1843
1833
1841: 1841: The Bartelson-Bidwell PartyThe Bartelson-Bidwell Party The Bidwell-Bartleson Party of 1841 was the The Bidwell-Bartleson Party of 1841 was the
first organized group of non-commercial, first organized group of non-commercial, non-military emigrants with a female and non-military emigrants with a female and child attempting to reach northern California child attempting to reach northern California by way of the Humboldt River. by way of the Humboldt River.
Leaving the Oregon Trail abandoned their Leaving the Oregon Trail abandoned their wagons, reaching the Humboldt River and wagons, reaching the Humboldt River and following the Humboldt River to its sink.following the Humboldt River to its sink.
The party crossed the Sierra Nevada without The party crossed the Sierra Nevada without wagons by turning southwest, where they wagons by turning southwest, where they struggled over the mountains near (Kelsey struggled over the mountains near (Kelsey Mt) and the present Sonora Pass (seeing Big Mt) and the present Sonora Pass (seeing Big Trees) into the San Joaquin Valley. Trees) into the San Joaquin Valley. http://www.emigranttrailswest.org/caltrail.htmhttp://www.emigranttrailswest.org/caltrail.htm
18 year old Nancy Roberts Kelsey18 year old Nancy Roberts Kelsey Was the first white woman (with baby Martha Was the first white woman (with baby Martha
Ann on hip) to cross the Sierra Nevada with the Ann on hip) to cross the Sierra Nevada with the Bartleson Bidwell Party 1841.Bartleson Bidwell Party 1841.
Given credit for stitching the California Bear Given credit for stitching the California Bear Flag in 1846. Designed by William Todd (Mary Flag in 1846. Designed by William Todd (Mary Todd Lincoln’s nephew).Todd Lincoln’s nephew).
Husband Benjamin KELSEY, (1813-1889): m'd Husband Benjamin KELSEY, (1813-1889): m'd 1838: emigrated to CA 1841; made and lost 1838: emigrated to CA 1841; made and lost several fortunes; involved in moving cattle from several fortunes; involved in moving cattle from CA to BC; had sawmill near Sonoma; mined for CA to BC; had sawmill near Sonoma; mined for gold in El Dorado County; helped establish the gold in El Dorado County; helped establish the town of town of Kelseyville Kelseyville (near Clear Lake) in CA; (near Clear Lake) in CA; 1843 traveled to OR with his family; 1844 1843 traveled to OR with his family; 1844 returned to CA. returned to CA. http://www.oregonpioneers.com/1841.htmhttp://www.oregonpioneers.com/1841.htm
"Where my husband "Where my husband goes I can go. I can goes I can go. I can better stand the better stand the hardships of the journey hardships of the journey than the anxieties for an than the anxieties for an absent husband.“absent husband.“
http://members.aol.com/DanMRosen/donner/westward.htmhttp://members.aol.com/DanMRosen/donner/westward.htm
Emigrant trail, Mormon Trail, Pony Emigrant trail, Mormon Trail, Pony Express, Lincoln Highway, Highway 80Express, Lincoln Highway, Highway 80
Fremont 1843-1844 2Fremont 1843-1844 2ndnd Expedition - Expedition -@ @ TahoeTahoe
Fort HallFort Hall
St. Joseph MO
Walker’s Party 1833 Over the Sierra no wagons Walker’s Party 1833 Over the Sierra no wagons
Fremont 1845-1846 3Fremont 1845-1846 3rdrd Expedition. Bear Flag Revolt, Mexican War, Expedition. Bear Flag Revolt, Mexican War, Donner PartyDonner Party
Oregon Trial 1843 Wagons to OregonOregon Trial 1843 Wagons to Oregon
1846 the Mormons / Donner Party1846 the Mormons / Donner Party In 1846 the Mormons were moving from Nauvoo, Ill to In 1846 the Mormons were moving from Nauvoo, Ill to
Salt Lake City UT (by force.) Brigham Young requested Salt Lake City UT (by force.) Brigham Young requested President Polk to finance the movement westward. President Polk to finance the movement westward. Polk did not directly pay for the move though he agreed Polk did not directly pay for the move though he agreed to give wages for soldiers and the soldiers could give to give wages for soldiers and the soldiers could give the money to the church. The Mormons decided to the money to the church. The Mormons decided to provided 500 soldiers for development of the Santa Fe provided 500 soldiers for development of the Santa Fe Trail for the US solders travel during to the Mexican Trail for the US solders travel during to the Mexican War. War.
Battalion members each received a $42 clothing Battalion members each received a $42 clothing allowance, paid in advance, for their one-year allowance, paid in advance, for their one-year enlistment. enlistment.
The bulk of this money was contributed to the Church The bulk of this money was contributed to the Church fund from which wagons, teams, and other necessities fund from which wagons, teams, and other necessities for the larger exodus were purchased. for the larger exodus were purchased.
Actual wages paid out came to nearly $30,000. Later, Actual wages paid out came to nearly $30,000. Later, Battalion members returning from California, at John Battalion members returning from California, at John Sutter's mill, contributed $17,000 in gold to the Salt Sutter's mill, contributed $17,000 in gold to the Salt Lake City settlement.Lake City settlement. http://www.lds.org/library/pio_sto/Pioneer_Trail/12_Council_Bluffs.htmlhttp://www.lds.org/library/pio_sto/Pioneer_Trail/12_Council_Bluffs.html
The 1846 MormonsThe 1846 Mormons From 1846 to 1869 12,000 Mormons From 1846 to 1869 12,000 Mormons
moved from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt moved from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City along the same initial trail. Lake City along the same initial trail.
February 1846 started the move to February 1846 started the move to Salt Lake setting up roads and food Salt Lake setting up roads and food supplies along the way for future supplies along the way for future Church members. Church members.
1848 Mormons Heading 1848 Mormons Heading EastEast Over Over the Sierra Nevada using Carson Passthe Sierra Nevada using Carson Pass
On July 3, 1848 the party started east On July 3, 1848 the party started east clearing the road for wagon travel. (East of clearing the road for wagon travel. (East of Placerville off Highway 50)Placerville off Highway 50)
Kept 300 animals at a Park owned by Kept 300 animals at a Park owned by James Sly - now known as Sly Park.James Sly - now known as Sly Park.
3 scouts killed near a spring - now known 3 scouts killed near a spring - now known as Tragedy Springs. as Tragedy Springs.
Went over a pass that had a name carved Went over a pass that had a name carved in a tree “Carson” now Carson Pass.in a tree “Carson” now Carson Pass.
Having hope that they could make it they Having hope that they could make it they named it Hope Valley.named it Hope Valley.
Followed the Carson River through Carson Followed the Carson River through Carson Valley, 40 mile desert.Valley, 40 mile desert.
S.A Mitchells 1846 MapS.A Mitchells 1846 Map
San Diego 1847
Coloma 1848 Salt Lake City
1846
Nauvoo IA 1846
Mexican War 1846
to 1848
Mormon Battalion Discharged July 1847 250 travel North
Disbanded Mormon Battalion June 1848
Mormon Battalion July 20, 1846 Leavenworth Kansas
The Forty-Mile Desert -The Forty-Mile Desert -40 miles to water40 miles to water
Carson City Fallon
Current Highway 50
Carson River 40 mile Desert
Truckee River 40 mile Desert
**40 Mile desert Carson River route40 Mile desert Carson River route A footnote to the journal of Lorenzo Sawyer (1850) A footnote to the journal of Lorenzo Sawyer (1850)
by Edward Eberstadt stated that one emigrant on by Edward Eberstadt stated that one emigrant on the Carson route counted the Carson route counted
1061 dead mules, 1061 dead mules, 4,960 dead horses, and 4,960 dead horses, and 3750 dead oxen and cows. 3750 dead oxen and cows. Also noted were 963 graves and Also noted were 963 graves and An estimate that probably 5000 persons perished An estimate that probably 5000 persons perished
during 1850.during 1850. John Wood (1850) wrote a vivid account of his John Wood (1850) wrote a vivid account of his
sufferings on the desert and observed that some sufferings on the desert and observed that some 3000 wagons and 3 million dollars worth of property 3000 wagons and 3 million dollars worth of property lay abandoned on the Carson Route. Such was the lay abandoned on the Carson Route. Such was the desert roll of Destruction Valley. desert roll of Destruction Valley. Everett W. Harris Everett W. Harris The The Emigrants Passed This WayEmigrants Passed This Way Western Trails Research Associates pg 90 Western Trails Research Associates pg 90
Mark Twain Mark Twain Carson 1861Carson 1861
40 Mile Desert 40 Mile Desert Route and RagtownRoute and Ragtown
Mormon Immigrant
Trail
Heading Heading EastEast Over the Sierra Over the Sierra Nevada Mormon/Carson Pass RouteNevada Mormon/Carson Pass Route
““The most successful road opening in western The most successful road opening in western history.” history.” www.emigranttrailswest.orgwww.emigranttrailswest.org
From the Overland Trail cross roads, four branch From the Overland Trail cross roads, four branch roads led to the Gold mines in California. roads led to the Gold mines in California.
Initially emigrants were divided equally over Initially emigrants were divided equally over those land routes, Beckworth (North), Henness those land routes, Beckworth (North), Henness Pass, Donner (middle) and Mormon Carson Pass Pass, Donner (middle) and Mormon Carson Pass (South). Just two years later, by 1850, 95 percent (South). Just two years later, by 1850, 95 percent of the ensuing emigrants followed the Mormon of the ensuing emigrants followed the Mormon Carson Pass route south of Lake Tahoe.Carson Pass route south of Lake Tahoe.
Mormon/Carson Pass 3 river crossings Mormon/Carson Pass 3 river crossings Truckee/Donner Pass 23 river crossings. Truckee/Donner Pass 23 river crossings. Tahoe Daily Tahoe Daily Tribune Denise Sloan Tribune Denise Sloan How Local is a Local?How Local is a Local? Page 18 1998 Page 18 1998
First European Tahoe Visitors- First European Tahoe Visitors- Trans – Sierra passagesTrans – Sierra passages
1850-1851 (1848 Landauer) Col. John Calhoun 1850-1851 (1848 Landauer) Col. John Calhoun “Cock-eye” Johnson visited Lake Valley over “Cock-eye” Johnson visited Lake Valley over Echo summit. (No official journal entry) In 1853 Echo summit. (No official journal entry) In 1853 Rubicon Gorge.Rubicon Gorge.
Placerville lawyer, rancher, explorer, State Placerville lawyer, rancher, explorer, State Assembly member and a major participant in El Assembly member and a major participant in El Dorado's only “Indian War.”Dorado's only “Indian War.”
He allowed up to 800 militia to stay on his “Six He allowed up to 800 militia to stay on his “Six Mile” (east of Placerville) ranch.Mile” (east of Placerville) ranch.
Johnson’s Pass (lower elevation than Carson’s Johnson’s Pass (lower elevation than Carson’s pass) at the south end of Tahoe Valley in the pass) at the south end of Tahoe Valley in the spring of 1850-51 (1848 Landauer) and spring of 1850-51 (1848 Landauer) and followed the South fork of the American River followed the South fork of the American River back to Placerville. back to Placerville.
Placerville 1851Placerville 1851
Johnson's PassJohnson's Pass The 1849 rush brought wagon trains across the High The 1849 rush brought wagon trains across the High
Sierra. Sierra. Most of the wagons moved south of Tahoe up Woodford Most of the wagons moved south of Tahoe up Woodford
Canyon, through Hope Valley and over Kit Carson Pass Canyon, through Hope Valley and over Kit Carson Pass (Route of today's Highway 88). Carson Pass is high and (Route of today's Highway 88). Carson Pass is high and winter created severe wind and snow problems. winter created severe wind and snow problems.
Johnson's Pass was lower and less exposed to the harsh Johnson's Pass was lower and less exposed to the harsh weather mostly being protected by the South Fork of weather mostly being protected by the South Fork of the American River canyon. the American River canyon.
Its drawback was the sharp rise from the Lake Valley, Its drawback was the sharp rise from the Lake Valley, but the determined pioneers still moved up Johnson's but the determined pioneers still moved up Johnson's Hill (Echo Summit). Wagons were block and tackled up Hill (Echo Summit). Wagons were block and tackled up 1,100 feet in a distance of three quarters of a mile. The 1,100 feet in a distance of three quarters of a mile. The rise was to a flat area called "Cape Horn." From the rise was to a flat area called "Cape Horn." From the Horn, the trail made two switch backs, then over the Horn, the trail made two switch backs, then over the pass and down the South Fork of the American River pass and down the South Fork of the American River canyon to Placerville. canyon to Placerville. http://www.americana-tahoe.com/Jimhttp://www.americana-tahoe.com/Jim%20Hubbard/HWY%2050.html%20Hubbard/HWY%2050.html
Col. John Calhoun “Cock-Eye” JohnsonCol. John Calhoun “Cock-Eye” Johnson 1850-51 (48) – the Johnson (Echo Summit) cut 1850-51 (48) – the Johnson (Echo Summit) cut
off shortened the Mormon (Carson Pass) route off shortened the Mormon (Carson Pass) route by several miles. by several miles. Laundaur pg 61 Laundaur pg 61
Going East, once in Lake Valley the trail turned Going East, once in Lake Valley the trail turned south (over to what will be known as Luther's south (over to what will be known as Luther's Pass in 1854) to meet the Mormon Emigrant Pass in 1854) to meet the Mormon Emigrant Trail in Hope Valley. Trail in Hope Valley.
1860 the pony express trail (initially went over 1860 the pony express trail (initially went over Luther's Pass) then changed to the shorter Lake Luther's Pass) then changed to the shorter Lake Valley using Kingsbury Grade /Daggett’s Pass. Valley using Kingsbury Grade /Daggett’s Pass.
Three years later the popular (shorter) trail Three years later the popular (shorter) trail went over the top of Cave Rock over the Carson went over the top of Cave Rock over the Carson Range down to Eagle Valley (Carson City).Range down to Eagle Valley (Carson City).
Lake Tahoe
Hawley’s Grade
Johnson’s Cutoff
Meyers’s Grade
Echo Lakes
Echo Summit
“Y”
Pickett’s Junction
Old Luther’s
Pass Road
North
Toward Lake Tahoe on Luther’s Pass
Old Luther’s Pass Road
Current Luther’s Pass Road Highway 89
Pickett’s Junction
To Kirkwood Ski Resort
Highway 88/89
North
1855 (54) Asa Hawley 1855 (54) Asa Hawley LandauerLandauer
Built a graded road to the top of Echo Summit that led Built a graded road to the top of Echo Summit that led from his door step in Upper Lake Valley (Christmas from his door step in Upper Lake Valley (Christmas Valley).Valley).
Initially he was a way station operator in Elkhorn Mill Initially he was a way station operator in Elkhorn Mill east of Placerville.east of Placerville.
““Tahoe Natives would not let me fish the streams.”Tahoe Natives would not let me fish the streams.” First year round resident in the Tahoe Basin. (not First year round resident in the Tahoe Basin. (not
verifiable). verifiable). 1856 or 1857 tried to measure Lake Tahoe’s 1856 or 1857 tried to measure Lake Tahoe’s
circumference and locate an outlet, with James Green circumference and locate an outlet, with James Green and John A.Thompson, by counting a half mile distance and John A.Thompson, by counting a half mile distance by pace and timing how long it took to travel that by pace and timing how long it took to travel that distance with a row boat.distance with a row boat.
Their conclusion was Lake Tahoe circumference 150 Their conclusion was Lake Tahoe circumference 150 miles!! Actually 72 miles. miles!! Actually 72 miles.
1870, moved to Kings Canyon, Carson City then to 1870, moved to Kings Canyon, Carson City then to Latrobe CA, died in Yerington NV 1899.Latrobe CA, died in Yerington NV 1899.
Kings Canyon Road
Clear Creek Canyon Road
Current highway 50
Spooner Summit
King
s Can
yon
1863 Saga I pg 236
1860 Saga I pg 236
1851 (54)
E V A D AN
Tahoe 1850’s to 1860’sTahoe 1850’s to 1860’s Few structures, several trails marked, Few structures, several trails marked,
wagon and coaches and a few boats.wagon and coaches and a few boats. Few people spent the short summer Few people spent the short summer
haying, grazing cattle, operating way haying, grazing cattle, operating way stations and saloons, livery stables and stations and saloons, livery stables and trading posts. trading posts.
Natives continue to follow their traditional Natives continue to follow their traditional ways of fishing hunting gathering food and ways of fishing hunting gathering food and materials for winter.materials for winter.
Old Meyers Grade
Echo Summit
Echo Lakes
Lake Valley (Christmas Valley)
To Sacramento
Johnson’s Cutoff 1850-51Johnson’s Cutoff 1850-51
Hawley’s Grade 1855(54)Hawley’s Grade 1855(54) Drive on South Upper Truckee until Drive on South Upper Truckee until
you see this sign.you see this sign.
Views from Hawley’s GradeViews from Hawley’s Grade
Bottom of Old Meyers Grade -1857Bottom of Old Meyers Grade -1857
Top of Old Meyers Grade - Top of Old Meyers Grade - Cape HornCape Horn
This road still can be This road still can be used in emergenciesused in emergencies
Meyers grade 1942 -1949
Old Meyers Grade 1857
Johnson Cutoff 1850-51 (48)
To Echo Lakes
Unite d Sta te s 1854 No rthe rn Fre e Sta te sSo uthe rn Sla ve Sta te sPo p ula r So ve re ig ntyFe d e ra l (Unio n) Te rrito rie s
Ka nsa sfre e /sla ve ?
Ne b ra ska fre e /sla ve ?
1846
M isso uri
M a ine
185036 30” 36 30”
You know you’re You know you’re a Tahoe Local if:a Tahoe Local if:
You realize You realize when you when you change the change the studded studded snow tires to snow tires to regular tires regular tires you can you can decrease the decrease the radio radio volume.volume.
Last Hour We LearnedLast Hour We Learned
Chapter 5 Settlers Chapter 5 Settlers Arrive at Lake Tahoe Arrive at Lake Tahoe
This hour we will This hour we will learn aboutlearn about
The Lust for SilverThe Lust for Silver Sutro: tunnelSutro: tunnel Diedesheimer: square Diedesheimer: square
set miningset mining Hallidie: cableHallidie: cable The cost of miningThe cost of mining
Chapter 6 Lust for SilverChapter 6 Lust for Silver Silver StateSilver State
What Was Discovered in Virginia What Was Discovered in Virginia City in 1859?City in 1859?
Gold and SilverGold and Silver..
Where was the Gold?Where was the Gold? It is somewhat ironic that It is somewhat ironic that
the California 49’ers that the California 49’ers that traveled across Nevada to traveled across Nevada to the California gold fields the California gold fields walked over far more gold walked over far more gold than would ever be mined than would ever be mined in the “Golden State”. in the “Golden State”. Nevada’s Carlin and Battle Nevada’s Carlin and Battle Mountain Trends have Mountain Trends have proven to be two of the proven to be two of the world’s most prolific gold world’s most prolific gold fields. fields. http://www.nevadamining.org/documents/Econohttp://www.nevadamining.org/documents/Economic_Overview_07.pdf page 12mic_Overview_07.pdf page 12
Ne va d asilve r
C a li f o rn iag o ld S i e rr a N e v a d a
NevadaGold
1859 Utah Territory Near Virginia 1859 Utah Territory Near Virginia CityCity
1857 Brothers Ethan and Hosea Grosch found an rich 1857 Brothers Ethan and Hosea Grosch found an rich ore sample. Unfortunately both died before (tetanus ore sample. Unfortunately both died before (tetanus and froze to death) the assay and put a claim on the and froze to death) the assay and put a claim on the land.land.
1859 Promising gold vein was found by James “Old 1859 Promising gold vein was found by James “Old Virginia” Finney, Alex Henderson and others $20/day Virginia” Finney, Alex Henderson and others $20/day - mild strike.- mild strike.
Pat McLaughlin and Peter O’Riley in Gold Hill $200 Pat McLaughlin and Peter O’Riley in Gold Hill $200 gold/day and were troubled with “this blue stuff gold/day and were troubled with “this blue stuff from the rising of the sun to the going down from the rising of the sun to the going down thereof.” thereof.”
““Blue stuff” was silver oreBlue stuff” was silver ore worth over worth over $2000 a ton $2000 a ton
1859 Utah Territory Near Virginia 1859 Utah Territory Near Virginia CityCity
Henry Comstock informed Mclaughlin and O”Riley Henry Comstock informed Mclaughlin and O”Riley they were on his land that he claimed for grazing. they were on his land that he claimed for grazing. They were persuaded to join his partnership and They were persuaded to join his partnership and called the mine Ophir Mine.called the mine Ophir Mine.
Comstock became a partner and several other Comstock became a partner and several other mine owners.mine owners.
After the ore assay in Grass Valley CA the After the ore assay in Grass Valley CA the Comstock Lode rush began. Fifty-niners!Comstock Lode rush began. Fifty-niners!
The pilgrimage from California to Utah Territory The pilgrimage from California to Utah Territory (Nevada) caused crowded roads, inflation of (Nevada) caused crowded roads, inflation of goods and Way Stations to spring up.goods and Way Stations to spring up.
US and Nevada HistoryUS and Nevada History 1859: Gold and Silver Up 1859: Gold and Silver Up
to $8 million per day was to $8 million per day was mined in Virginia City. The mined in Virginia City. The most prosperous silver most prosperous silver veins were up to 10 feet veins were up to 10 feet wide. wide.
The land that would The land that would eventually be the State of eventually be the State of Nevada had less than 300 Nevada had less than 300 non-native American non-native American population.population. Bouton “Nevada Trivia” Rutledge Hill Press 1999 page 23
The North was not worried The North was not worried about losing Virginia City’s about losing Virginia City’s gold and silver to the gold and silver to the South because it was a South because it was a Federal territory. Federal territory. Web site by Casino News Virginia City Nevada
Virginia City Required Heavy Equipment To Virginia City Required Heavy Equipment To Dig the mines in the Early 1860’s. Most of Dig the mines in the Early 1860’s. Most of
the Equipment Came Via Sacramento the Equipment Came Via Sacramento Through South Lake Tahoe on a Toll road. Through South Lake Tahoe on a Toll road.
What is a Toll road?What is a Toll road? A road on which you have to pay money to use.A road on which you have to pay money to use. A way for the new State of California to pay for A way for the new State of California to pay for
the road construction. State Constitution 1849.the road construction. State Constitution 1849. Kingsbury and McDonald surveyed the road.Kingsbury and McDonald surveyed the road. $1.35 million of tolls was collected by all the toll $1.35 million of tolls was collected by all the toll
houses the first year of operation in 1860. houses the first year of operation in 1860. Saga I Saga I pg 366pg 366
Later the money made in tolls proved to be a Later the money made in tolls proved to be a logical investment decision to make a railroad logical investment decision to make a railroad from Sacramento to Reno. from Sacramento to Reno.
Nevada Toll Road Fees of the Nevada Toll Road Fees of the 1860s1860s
Toll Toll $2 per wagon and one span of horses$2 per wagon and one span of horses 25 cents per extra horse, half price for 25 cents per extra horse, half price for
empty, returning freight wagonsempty, returning freight wagons 25 cents per extra horse, half price for 25 cents per extra horse, half price for
empty, returning freight wagonsempty, returning freight wagons $1.50 for a person on horseback$1.50 for a person on horseback 10 cents per sheep or hog10 cents per sheep or hog 12 cents for a person's dog12 cents for a person's dog http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20060709/NEWS/107090090http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20060709/NEWS/107090090
Kingsbury GradeKingsbury Grade The Kingsbury Grade wagon road The Kingsbury Grade wagon road
was built in 1860 by Kingsbury and was built in 1860 by Kingsbury and McDonald as a replacement of the McDonald as a replacement of the old (1855) Daggett Pass horse Trail. old (1855) Daggett Pass horse Trail.
The new road shortened the distance The new road shortened the distance between Sacramento and Virginia between Sacramento and Virginia City by 15 miles. (Approximately full City by 15 miles. (Approximately full one day travel) one day travel)
True/False Heavy Traffic Congestion True/False Heavy Traffic Congestion is New to the Tahoe Area?is New to the Tahoe Area?
FalseFalse
It had been said, it could take up to two hours to It had been said, it could take up to two hours to get back on the road if you got off.get back on the road if you got off.
Virginia City NevadaVirginia City Nevada
Problems with Mining Mt. Davidson Problems with Mining Mt. Davidson (Virginia City)(Virginia City)
Excavation with excess water and heat Excavation with excess water and heat (workers 10 minutes at a time)(workers 10 minutes at a time)
Mine walls would cave in that were not Mine walls would cave in that were not supported. Even if supported sometimes.supported. Even if supported sometimes.
Proposed solution was given by Adolf Proposed solution was given by Adolf Sutro to dig a tunnel in the side of the Sutro to dig a tunnel in the side of the mountain to extract the ore and drain the mountain to extract the ore and drain the excess water.excess water.
Mining stopped not due to lack of silver Mining stopped not due to lack of silver but the cost of removal.but the cost of removal.
Most mines terminated operations in the Most mines terminated operations in the spring of 1877. spring of 1877. Laundauer pg 56Laundauer pg 56
In 1867 900ft underground, lit by an improvised flash -- a burning In 1867 900ft underground, lit by an improvised flash -- a burning magnesium wire, O'Sullivan photographed the miners in tunnels, magnesium wire, O'Sullivan photographed the miners in tunnels, shafts, and lifts. During the winter of 1867-68, in Virginia City, Nevada, shafts, and lifts. During the winter of 1867-68, in Virginia City, Nevada, he took the first underground mining pictures in America. Deep in he took the first underground mining pictures in America. Deep in mines where temperatures reached 130 degreesmines where temperatures reached 130 degrees
Occupational HazardsOccupational Hazards Working 2,000 feet underground Working 2,000 feet underground
brought severe occupational brought severe occupational hazards - heat exhaustion, hazards - heat exhaustion, pneumonia, silicosis (miner's pneumonia, silicosis (miner's lung) and rheumatism. lung) and rheumatism.
Heat increased 5 degrees Heat increased 5 degrees Fahrenheit every hundred feet Fahrenheit every hundred feet depth. At 3,000 feet, clouds of depth. At 3,000 feet, clouds of steam obscured a man's work, steam obscured a man's work, wooden pick handles became so wooden pick handles became so hot that miners had to use hot that miners had to use gloves.gloves.
Work time was reduced to 15 Work time was reduced to 15 minutes out of each hour, and minutes out of each hour, and the ice allotment went up to 95 the ice allotment went up to 95 pounds a day per man. (The ice pounds a day per man. (The ice came from Truckee ice came from Truckee ice harvesting area.) harvesting area.) http://www.nevoldwest.com/Mining/mining.htmlhttp://www.nevoldwest.com/Mining/mining.html
Adolf SutroAdolf Sutro 1859 established a small mill, called the Sutro 1859 established a small mill, called the Sutro
Metallurgical Works and improved process of Metallurgical Works and improved process of amalgamation.amalgamation.
1879 Sutro sold his tunnel to the McCalmont 1879 Sutro sold his tunnel to the McCalmont Brothers, and countless lesser investors, and Brothers, and countless lesser investors, and returned to San Francisco.returned to San Francisco.
At one time Sutro owned one-twelfth of the At one time Sutro owned one-twelfth of the acreage of San Francisco. acreage of San Francisco.
1880 purchased the Cliff House, and one 1880 purchased the Cliff House, and one thousand acres of land facing the ocean, now thousand acres of land facing the ocean, now called Sutro heights.called Sutro heights.
Adolf SutroAdolf Sutro He built the Sutro saltwater baths, Cliff House on He built the Sutro saltwater baths, Cliff House on
the Pacific Ocean.the Pacific Ocean. He planted Sutro Forest.He planted Sutro Forest. Sutro Heights ParkSutro Heights Park 1894 he ran for mayor on the Populist ticket and 1894 he ran for mayor on the Populist ticket and
served one two-year term. served one two-year term. August 8, 1898 Sutro died in San FranciscoAugust 8, 1898 Sutro died in San Francisco He owned the finest private library in America, He owned the finest private library in America,
much of which was destroyed during the fire that much of which was destroyed during the fire that followed the Great Earthquake of 1906. followed the Great Earthquake of 1906.
Sutro Heights parkSutro Heights park
Sutro purchased Sutro purchased the Cliff House in the Cliff House in 1883 and tried 1883 and tried unsuccessfully to unsuccessfully to manage it himself manage it himself
The Sutro TunnelThe Sutro Tunnel Adolph Sutro conceived the tunnel as early as Adolph Sutro conceived the tunnel as early as
1860, when he saw the steaming hot water that 1860, when he saw the steaming hot water that made the Comstock mines so difficult to work. made the Comstock mines so difficult to work. His idea was to tunnel about six miles to His idea was to tunnel about six miles to provide drainage for the mines. provide drainage for the mines.
He didn't get financing for the project until late He didn't get financing for the project until late 1869, when a disastrous mine fire “Yellow 1869, when a disastrous mine fire “Yellow Jacket”Jacket” deep in the Comstock mines killed deep in the Comstock mines killed hundreds of miners. His tunnel would have hundreds of miners. His tunnel would have offered an escape route that would have saved offered an escape route that would have saved many lives. many lives.
http://69.69.245.68/ghosts/dayton/sutro/index.htm http://69.69.245.68/ghosts/dayton/sutro/index.htm
The Sutro TunnelThe Sutro Tunnel By completion, the mines depth was well below By completion, the mines depth was well below
the Sutro tunnel opening. The tunnel finally the Sutro tunnel opening. The tunnel finally connected to the Savage Mine in July, 1878. connected to the Savage Mine in July, 1878. One reason for the delay was funding but the One reason for the delay was funding but the other was the mine owners did not want to pay other was the mine owners did not want to pay the extra cost of $2.00 per ton fee to haul ore the extra cost of $2.00 per ton fee to haul ore out of the underground rail way.out of the underground rail way.
Sutro's project had completed 33,315 feet of Sutro's project had completed 33,315 feet of lateral tunneling. (6.3 miles)lateral tunneling. (6.3 miles)
In 1880, alone, two billion (2,000,000,000) In 1880, alone, two billion (2,000,000,000) gallons of water pumped through it. The mines gallons of water pumped through it. The mines did drain the shafts into Dayton NV, using the did drain the shafts into Dayton NV, using the Sutro Tunnel until 1940. Sutro Tunnel until 1940. http://69.69.245.68/ghosts/dayton/sutro/index.htmhttp://69.69.245.68/ghosts/dayton/sutro/index.htm
**Problem with the Sutro TunnelProblem with the Sutro Tunnel
Mt Davidson
Sutro Tunnel
THE COMSTOCK LODE
SECTION ALONG THE SUTRO TUNNEL (looking south-south west)
Dayton
Virginia City
Combination shaft
3,250 ft.
2,484 ft.
Comstock Lode
(Water was recorded to be 170° at the depth 3000 foot level(Water was recorded to be 170° at the depth 3000 foot level an unwanted hot spring bath housean unwanted hot spring bath house) )
Beck Williams Beck Williams California: A History of the Golden StateCalifornia: A History of the Golden State 1972 DoubleDay and Co. Inc. Page 150 1972 DoubleDay and Co. Inc. Page 150
Virginia City Boom Years 1860-1880Virginia City Boom Years 1860-1880 By 1860, Virginia City was a booming mining By 1860, Virginia City was a booming mining
community, and over the years, large quantities community, and over the years, large quantities of silver ore, worth $400,000,000 were mined. of silver ore, worth $400,000,000 were mined.
There were more than 400 (to 700) miles of There were more than 400 (to 700) miles of tunnels and shafts under the Virginia City area. tunnels and shafts under the Virginia City area. The miner's working conditions were very The miner's working conditions were very difficult. There was no electricity to illuminate difficult. There was no electricity to illuminate the working areas; all lighting was by the working areas; all lighting was by candlelight. Oxygen in the mines was limited, candlelight. Oxygen in the mines was limited, and fire was a constant danger. and fire was a constant danger.
What is a miners Canary? (over heated Teflon What is a miners Canary? (over heated Teflon coated pan)coated pan)
http://mishalov.net/virginiacity602/virginiacity602.htmlhttp://mishalov.net/virginiacity602/virginiacity602.html
Philipp DeidesheimerPhilipp Deidesheimer
It was the workers who made Virginia City a reality. It was the workers who made Virginia City a reality.
There were the 3000 miners who toiled under some There were the 3000 miners who toiled under some unbelievable conditions. unbelievable conditions.
Working 8 hours a day, 5 days a week in Working 8 hours a day, 5 days a week in temperatures often hovering at 130 degrees for temperatures often hovering at 130 degrees for $4.00 per day. As the ore was removed, the $4.00 per day. As the ore was removed, the caverns would sometimes collapse crushing the caverns would sometimes collapse crushing the men instantly under tons of rock. men instantly under tons of rock.
1860, Philipp Deidesheimer brought his invention 1860, Philipp Deidesheimer brought his invention of “square set” timbering. of “square set” timbering.
Not another miner ever lost his life due to a cave-Not another miner ever lost his life due to a cave-in, if this method of timbering was employed.in, if this method of timbering was employed. http://www.virginiacity-nv.com/our%20history/ourhistory.htmhttp://www.virginiacity-nv.com/our%20history/ourhistory.htm
Square SetsSquare Sets Square sets are a 12” x 12” timbers. Square sets are a 12” x 12” timbers. Placing the square sets in the mines Placing the square sets in the mines
inspired innovative logging inspired innovative logging techniques.techniques.
To this day, the Tahoe Basin and the To this day, the Tahoe Basin and the eastern slope of the Sierra’s shows eastern slope of the Sierra’s shows the scars of strip lumbering for the scars of strip lumbering for Virginia City mines.Virginia City mines.
Square Set TimberingSquare Set Timbering
Andrew HallidieAndrew Hallidie
The miners faced daily was death due to a snapped The miners faced daily was death due to a snapped hempen rope on the hoisting cages. Being in a cage hempen rope on the hoisting cages. Being in a cage falling 2000 feet down guaranteed no survivors. falling 2000 feet down guaranteed no survivors.
1864 Mr. Hallidie devised a flat woven wire cable about 1864 Mr. Hallidie devised a flat woven wire cable about 4" wide and 1/2 " thick that was attached to the cages.4" wide and 1/2 " thick that was attached to the cages.
It was the same invention he used in constructing the It was the same invention he used in constructing the San Francisco cable car system in 1873. The installation San Francisco cable car system in 1873. The installation of this cable, along with safety clutches, insured a safe of this cable, along with safety clutches, insured a safe ride up and down the shafts.ride up and down the shafts.http://www.virginiacity-nv.com/our%20history/ourhistory.htmhttp://www.virginiacity-nv.com/our%20history/ourhistory.htm
Mercury Contamination of the Mercury Contamination of the Carson RiverCarson River
Gold and silver were initially Gold and silver were initially extracted from the ores using extracted from the ores using the mercury amalgamation the mercury amalgamation process. Amalgamation is the process. Amalgamation is the collection of fine gold-silver collection of fine gold-silver particles in coatings of particles in coatings of mercury. The mercury is then mercury. The mercury is then collected and heated collected and heated (evaporated) away from the (evaporated) away from the precious metals and precious metals and recondensed for reuse. recondensed for reuse. ftp://comstock.nbmg.unr.edu/pub/dox/ftp://comstock.nbmg.unr.edu/pub/dox/nl/nl17a.htmnl/nl17a.htm
Mercury amalgamation Mercury amalgamation process resulted in 25% loss of process resulted in 25% loss of the gold. In 1896 a new the gold. In 1896 a new cyanide process recovered in cyanide process recovered in the gold and silver in the the gold and silver in the tailingstailings.. L.J. Ettinger L.J. Ettinger The Best of Virginia City and the The Best of Virginia City and the ComstockComstock 1995 pg 8 1995 pg 8
How Much Does it Cost to Mine Gold?How Much Does it Cost to Mine Gold? The density of mercury is between that of gold and the gravel The density of mercury is between that of gold and the gravel
slurry, so gold and gold-mercury amalgam would sink, while the slurry, so gold and gold-mercury amalgam would sink, while the sand and gravel would pass over the mercury and through the sand and gravel would pass over the mercury and through the sluice. sluice.
Most of the mercury used in gold recovery in California was Most of the mercury used in gold recovery in California was obtained from the Coast Ranges mercury belt on the west side of obtained from the Coast Ranges mercury belt on the west side of California's Central Valley. New Almaden south San Jose.California's Central Valley. New Almaden south San Jose.
1995 coal that is consumed for energy production is estimated to 1995 coal that is consumed for energy production is estimated to have put 50 million tons of mercury in the atmosphere.have put 50 million tons of mercury in the atmosphere.
The concentration of CH3Hg+ generally increases by a factor of The concentration of CH3Hg+ generally increases by a factor of ten with each step up the food chain, a process known as ten with each step up the food chain, a process known as biomagnification. biomagnification. Mercury is stored in the fat cells of fish. You Mercury is stored in the fat cells of fish. You may be able to drink the water but not eat the fish. may be able to drink the water but not eat the fish.
One gram of mercury in eight millions liters of water is considered One gram of mercury in eight millions liters of water is considered toxic to fetuses. toxic to fetuses.
In California, as of 1999, there were fish consumption advisories In California, as of 1999, there were fish consumption advisories for mercury in 13 waterbodies, including the San Francisco Bay for mercury in 13 waterbodies, including the San Francisco Bay and Delta Region and several areas in the Coast Ranges affected and Delta Region and several areas in the Coast Ranges affected by mercury mining.by mercury mining.
ca.water.usgs.gov/mercury/fsoc100/htmlca.water.usgs.gov/mercury/fsoc100/html
Mercury Contamination of the Mercury Contamination of the Carson RiverCarson River
Approximately 15 million pounds of mercury Approximately 15 million pounds of mercury filtered to the Carson River drainage system in filtered to the Carson River drainage system in the milling of ore containing.the milling of ore containing.
Approximately 8 million ounces of gold and 192 Approximately 8 million ounces of gold and 192 million ounces of silver were also lost. million ounces of silver were also lost.
Tremendous amounts of mercury, gold, and Tremendous amounts of mercury, gold, and silver now reside in mill tailings and the channel silver now reside in mill tailings and the channel sediments and flood plain deposits of the sediments and flood plain deposits of the Carson River, largely along the 70 mile stretch Carson River, largely along the 70 mile stretch between Carson City and Fallon, Nevada.between Carson City and Fallon, Nevada.
As many as 200 mills may have processed As many as 200 mills may have processed Comstock ore at one time or another within the Comstock ore at one time or another within the Carson and Truckee River watersheds. Carson and Truckee River watersheds. ftp://comstock.nbmg.unr.edu/pub/dox/nl/nl17a.htmftp://comstock.nbmg.unr.edu/pub/dox/nl/nl17a.htm
Money Money MoneyMoney Money Money How did speculators put a value on the land? How did speculators put a value on the land?
They priced mines by the foot. The Comstock's They priced mines by the foot. The Comstock's richest mine, the Ophir, lay along a claim richest mine, the Ophir, lay along a claim nearly a quarter of a mile in length, and was nearly a quarter of a mile in length, and was quoted at $4,000 per foot. quoted at $4,000 per foot.
Mark Twain, "Feet (stock) that went begging Mark Twain, "Feet (stock) that went begging yesterday were worth a brick house today,"yesterday were worth a brick house today,"
The $400 million Comstock Lode caused The $400 million Comstock Lode caused Virginia City, Nevada, to have a population of Virginia City, Nevada, to have a population of 30,000, the second biggest city in the West. A 30,000, the second biggest city in the West. A generation of regional tycoons arose. Their generation of regional tycoons arose. Their names were Ralston, Sharon, Fair, Flood... names were Ralston, Sharon, Fair, Flood... http://www.calliope.org/gold/gold3.htmlhttp://www.calliope.org/gold/gold3.html
Not All investors Made Money Not All investors Made Money Mark TwainMark Twain
““A mine is a hole in the ground owned A mine is a hole in the ground owned by a liar!”by a liar!”
Shares of non-producers mines Alpha, Shares of non-producers mines Alpha, Exchequer, Bullion-Ward sold Exchequer, Bullion-Ward sold thousands of worthless shares on the thousands of worthless shares on the San Francisco Mining Exchange.San Francisco Mining Exchange.
““Comstock produced 29 millionaires in Comstock produced 29 millionaires in an environment where more than 1000 an environment where more than 1000 mining companies were formed of mining companies were formed of which 19 ever paid dividends. which 19 ever paid dividends.
More money was lost in the More money was lost in the unregulated mining stock market unregulated mining stock market through assessments and stock through assessments and stock manipulation than was ever produced manipulation than was ever produced in gold and silver.”in gold and silver.” L.J. Ettinger L.J. Ettinger The Best of The Best of Virginia City and the ComstockVirginia City and the Comstock 1995 pg 8 1995 pg 8
Comstock Lode EndedComstock Lode Ended 1898 ghost town.1898 ghost town. Mining industry destroyed much of Mining industry destroyed much of
the land wherever it operated.the land wherever it operated. John Muir, “Mining was monuments John Muir, “Mining was monuments
to fraud, ignorance and sins against to fraud, ignorance and sins against science.” science.”
California Hydraulic MiningCalifornia Hydraulic Mining North Bloomfield CA, Sierra Foothills, (east of North Bloomfield CA, Sierra Foothills, (east of
Marysville) 1855 hydraulic mining of the Malakoff Marysville) 1855 hydraulic mining of the Malakoff mine. 78,47 foot tunnel served as a drain.mine. 78,47 foot tunnel served as a drain.
50 miles of canals had to be built (Nevada County 50 miles of canals had to be built (Nevada County had 700 miles of canals to support the hydraulic had 700 miles of canals to support the hydraulic mining technique) for this mine.mining technique) for this mine.
High pressure eroded the gravels down to sluice High pressure eroded the gravels down to sluice boxes in which gold – density 19.30 times that of boxes in which gold – density 19.30 times that of water and 7.25 times of its associated sediments water and 7.25 times of its associated sediments - settled to the bottom. - settled to the bottom.
Problem – what to do with the sediments? Problem – what to do with the sediments? Jeffery P. Jeffery P. Schaffer Schaffer The Tahoe Sierra: a natural history guide to 106 hikes in The Tahoe Sierra: a natural history guide to 106 hikes in the Northern Sierrathe Northern Sierra Wilderness Press 1987 Pg 65- 67 Wilderness Press 1987 Pg 65- 67
North Bloomfield CANorth Bloomfield CA
North Bloomfield CANorth Bloomfield CA
California Hydraulic MiningCalifornia Hydraulic Mining As gold profits were pouring, the sediments were As gold profits were pouring, the sediments were
pouring out – right down the Yuba River. Other rivers – pouring out – right down the Yuba River. Other rivers – Feather, Bear and American Rivers had same fate. Feather, Bear and American Rivers had same fate.
The gravel (sediments) along a 16 mile stretch of the The gravel (sediments) along a 16 mile stretch of the Yuba River from Smartville to Marysville added to the Yuba River from Smartville to Marysville added to the bottom so that the water easily overflowed its banks in bottom so that the water easily overflowed its banks in times of high water. The bed of the Yuba River raised times of high water. The bed of the Yuba River raised 30 feet. At the beginning Marysville was 19 feet above 30 feet. At the beginning Marysville was 19 feet above the Yuba River bed ended being 21 feet beneath the the Yuba River bed ended being 21 feet beneath the level of the Yuba River and needed levy’s to protect the level of the Yuba River and needed levy’s to protect the City. City. WH Hutchinson WH Hutchinson California The Golden Shore by the Sundown SeaCalifornia The Golden Shore by the Sundown Sea Star 19843 Star 19843 pg 109pg 109
Not only were the farmers’ crops ruined but the Not only were the farmers’ crops ruined but the sediment debris of the adjoining plains covered an area sediment debris of the adjoining plains covered an area of 25 square miles.of 25 square miles.
The land became unfit for farmers and they decided to The land became unfit for farmers and they decided to build levees. build levees. Jeffery P. Schaffer Jeffery P. Schaffer The Tahoe Sierra: a natural history guide to The Tahoe Sierra: a natural history guide to 106 hikes in the Northern Sierra106 hikes in the Northern Sierra Wilderness Press 1987 Pg 65- 67 Wilderness Press 1987 Pg 65- 67
Hydraulic MiningHydraulic Mining In 1884 the farmers went to court.In 1884 the farmers went to court. The case was Woodruff vs. North Bloomfield The case was Woodruff vs. North Bloomfield
Gravel Mining Company.Gravel Mining Company. Judge Lorenzo Sawyer issued an injunction Judge Lorenzo Sawyer issued an injunction
against the dumping of mine debris in the against the dumping of mine debris in the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers and their Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers and their tributaries – one of the first environmental cases tributaries – one of the first environmental cases in the country.in the country.
““Before 2200 million tons of sediment choked up Before 2200 million tons of sediment choked up rivers, one could travel form Sacramento north rivers, one could travel form Sacramento north 120 miles to Red Bluff and south 180 miles on the 120 miles to Red Bluff and south 180 miles on the San Joaquin River to the Fresno area.” San Joaquin River to the Fresno area.” Jeffery P. Jeffery P. Schaffer Schaffer The Tahoe Sierra: a natural history guide to 106 hikes in The Tahoe Sierra: a natural history guide to 106 hikes in the Northern Sierrathe Northern Sierra Wilderness Press 1987 Pg 65- 67 Wilderness Press 1987 Pg 65- 67
Changes in the Tahoe Basin -Changes in the Tahoe Basin - The Washoe Tribe lost their land and The Washoe Tribe lost their land and
lifestyle.lifestyle. Increased traffic bring food and supplies Increased traffic bring food and supplies
from the Pacific side.from the Pacific side. By 1865 Tahoe reported 10 to 15 hotels.By 1865 Tahoe reported 10 to 15 hotels. Bonanza Road to the Comstock – Bonanza Road to the Comstock –
Placerville - South Lake Tahoe Carson City Placerville - South Lake Tahoe Carson City – Virginia City– Virginia City
Demand for lumber from the Tahoe Basin Demand for lumber from the Tahoe Basin to fill the Virginia City mines and to fill the Virginia City mines and equipment.equipment.
One Minute ReviewOne Minute Review What was the most What was the most
useful or useful or meaningful thing meaningful thing you learned during you learned during this session?this session?
What question(s) What question(s) remain upper-most remain upper-most in your mind as we in your mind as we end this session?end this session?
Summary Week #3Summary Week #3 Settlers Arrive at Lake Tahoe Settlers Arrive at Lake Tahoe Overland Trail, 40 mile desertOverland Trail, 40 mile desert Arrive at Lake TahoeArrive at Lake Tahoe The Lust for SilverThe Lust for Silver Next Week #4Next Week #4 From Trail to HighwaysFrom Trail to Highways Pony ExpressPony Express Harvesting the ForestsHarvesting the Forests
The early California emigrants faced a The early California emigrants faced a dilemma at the Humboldt Sink. What dilemma at the Humboldt Sink. What
was the consequence of either choice? was the consequence of either choice? Which would you have chosen? Why?Which would you have chosen? Why?