Truckee Trail - Overland Emigrant Trail

Today I drove to Nevada County where I visited portions the Truckee Trail, part of the Overland Emigrant Trail network. The Truckee Trail opened in 1845. Those arriving to the Sacramento Valley via the Truckee Trail added to the American population in California, so the trail played a small part in the United States wresting control of California from Mexico in 1847. Three cheers for the Truckee Trail! The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad led to a steep reduction in trail traffic. I have no idea when the last wagon passed over this route..

Conestoga Road off of Highway 49 follows directly over a section of the Trail.

The Trail crosses modern sections of road in many spots. Using the Truckee Trail and Nevada City Road Driving Guide from Trails West, Inc., I drove to two Trails West markers along the Trail.

These parts of the Sierra foothills are rural and privately owned. No Trespassing signs abound. I greatly prefer poking around the National Forests, where I can get out and stretch my legs and not see a single other person.

Kennedy Assassination

I saw no mention in the press today of this being the anniversary of President Kennedy's assassination. Then again, I have not been online much today. But I do remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news. I was in the second grade, playing marbles with my classmates during recess, when a student walked up to tell us the president had been shot. When we returned to the classroom, our teacher told us the same thing. That is all I remember of that day. It was long ago and I was very young.