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
Category
- California Emigrant Trail
- Donner
- Event
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
Emigrant-Donner Camp