Emigrant-Donner Camp

Emigrant-Donner Camp Overview

Here at the base of Rattlesnake Mountain, California emigrants established a campground.

Once rested, the emigrants turned west to cross the Sierra Nevadas.

In 1846, the ill-fated Donner Party spent five days in this area.

One member of the party, William Pike, died from being shot accidentally and was buried in the vicinity

Marker Type

Concrete marker

Nevada Historical Marker Number

Emigrant-Donner Camp is Nevada Historical Marker #253.

Click here to view the full list of Nevada State Historical Markers.

County

Washoe County, Nevada

GPS Coordinates

39.475754, -119.754121

Nevada Historical Marker Transcription

Upon entering the Truckee Meadows along the Truckee River thousands of California-bound emigrants turned their wagons southwest to avoid extensive marshes and uncrossable sloughs. Here at the base of Rattlesnake Mountain the emigrants established a campground which extended nearly two miles to the east and west, one half mile north and south. Numerous local springs furnished quality water and the protected location of the camp provided an ideal locale for a rest stop after hundreds of grueling miles spent traversing the Humboldt River Valley. Once rested the emigrants turned west to lace their major obstacle, the Sierra Nevadas.

In October of 1846, the ill-fated Donner Party spent five days in this area resting and grazing their weary animals. Plagued by a series of unfortunate incidents one member of the party, William Pike, was accidentally shot, died and was buried in the vicinity.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 253

DIVISION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION & ARCHEOLOGY

NEVADA EMIGRANT TRAIL MARKING COMMITTEE

References Used

State Historic Preservation Office – Emigrant-Donner Camp