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TRUCKEE
HISTORY, DONNER MEMORIAL
STATE PARK, MUSEUMS
T O
D O
JOSH MILLER
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 Labor Day. 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.
truckeedonnerrailroadsociety.org
WESTERN SKISPORT MUSEUM: Boreal Ski
Resort, I-80 at Donner Summit. Ski history
dating from gold mining days. Open Friday–
Sunday during ski season. (530) 426-3313
x101; auburnskiclub.com
KATY HIGHT
F
our years before gold was discovered,
a friendly Indian chief guided a group
of pioneers through the daunting
Sierra Nevada. This encounter led to a route
which allowed an estimated 10,000 emigrants to cross into California between
1844 and 1854.
It wasn’t until 1863 that the first pioneer
settled in the area and built a stagecoach
station near the emigrant trail. Two years
later a public house was built to accommodate teamsters and travelers.
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 Indian chief whose name
had been given to the nearby river. Rowdy
Truckee flourished. There were plenty of
saloons and dance halls, as well as a redlight 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, the cold winters also produced another industry–tourism. An ice
palace with toboggan run and ice rink were
built, and in 1913, Truckee was the site of
what is believed to be the first ski lift.
T H I N G S
20 MILE MUSEUM: Drive Old Hwy. 40 from
Eagle Lakes exit over Summit and below
Rainbow Bridge. Highlights history and
beauty of Donner Summit. Interpretive
signs. PDF link to brochure;
donnersummithistoricalsociety.org
Pioneer
Monument
Ī
Donner Memorial
State Historic Park
Must Do!
WAYDE CARROLL
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).
WWW.NEVADACOUNTYGOLD.COM
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