TRUCKEE
HISTORY, DONNER MEMORIAL
STATE PARK, MUSEUMS
D O
Pioneer Monument
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WAYDE CARROLL
T O
Museums
OLD JAIL MUSEUM: Jibboom & Spring
Streets. Built in 1875, see what a jail from
the old west was like. Also exhibit on film
industry in Truckee during the 1920s. Open
Memorial Day weekend and weekends from
Father’s Day through early September.
The Joseph Research Center, 10115
Donner Trail Rd. (530) 582-0893;
truckeehistory.org
TRUCKEE RAILROAD MUSEUM: Commercial
Row, Old Town. Located in a caboose,
brings Truckee railroad history to life. Open
Saturday, Sunday and major holidays, 10:00
am to 4:00 pm and “Truckee Thursdays.”
truckeedonnerrailroadsociety.com
WESTERN SKISPORT MUSEUM: Boreal Ski
Resort, I-80 at Donner Summit. Ski history
dating from gold mining days. Open Friday–
Sunday during ski season or by appointment. (530) 426-3313 x101;
auburnskiclub.com
20 MILE MUSEUM: Drive Old Hwy. 40 from
Eagle Lakes exit over Donner Summit and
below Rainbow Bridge. 28 interpretive signs
highlight history and beauty of Donner
Summit. PDF link to brochure;
donnersummithistoricalsociety.org
Donner
Lake
Donner Memorial
State Historic Park
KIAL JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY
WAYDE CARROLL
B
EFORE GOLD WAS DISCOVERED in
California, a group of pioneers seeking their fortunes in the west were
lucky to come across a friendly Indian chief.
He became their guide through the daunting Sierra Nevada near what is now Truckee.
This encounter led to a route which allowed
10,000 emigrants to cross into the state
between 1844 and 1854. But, it wasn’t
until 1863 that the first pioneer settled in
the area and built a stagecoach station near
the emigrant trail.
Growth occurred in the late 1860s when
the Central Pacific Railroad was laying track.
At one time, 10,000 Chinese worked under
dangerous conditions to conquer the Sierra
Nevada. In 1868, the first train arrived, and
a devastating fire destroyed the town.
A new town was built and named
Truckee after the nearby river named in
honor of the Indian chief by the early pioneers. Rowdy Truckee flourished. There
were plenty of saloons and dance halls, as
well as a red-light district that existed until
1949. There was also a Vigilance
Committee formed to bring about law
and order.
Along with lumber, ice harvesting
became an important part of the local
economy. During the 1890s, efforts were
made to attract visitors during the cold
winters. An ice place with toboggan run
and ice rink was built and a new industry
was born – tourism.
T H I N G S
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Two miles west of Truckee just off I-80 (Exit 184) is a state park located on
scenic Donner Lake. Visitors will find a wide range of recreational opportunities, a museum and the Pioneer Monument erected to honor all who made
the trek west during the 1840s. Open year around. (530) 582-7892
Donner Memorial State Park
Interpretative Trail
HIGH SIERRA CROSSING MUSEUM: Exhibits featuring Native American and early
pioneer life, natural history of Truckee Basin and the transcontinental railroad.
Open daily (closed Thanksgiving , Christmas, New Year’s Day).
N E VA D A C O U N T Y G O L D . c o m
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