Nevada Historic Markers in Churchill County: Forty Mile Desert

Nevada Historical Marker 26
Forty Mile Desert
I-80 Exit 83 Rest Area at US 95

Nevada Historic Marker 26: Forty Mile Desert
Nevada Historic Marker 26: Forty Mile Desert
Nevada Historic Marker 26: Forty Mile Desert

13 July 2010
(Click Photo to Zoom)

 
Forty Mile Desert

The 40 Mile Desert, beginning here, is a barren stretch of waterless alkali wasteland. It was the most dreaded section of the California Emigrant Trail. If possible, it was traveled by night because of the great heat.

The route was first traveled by the Walker-Chiles party in 1843, with the first wagon train. Regardless of its horrors, it became the accepted route, as it split five miles southwest of here into the two main trails to California - the Carson River and the Truckee River Routes.

Starvation for men and animals stalked every mile. A survey made in 1850 showed these appalling statistics --- 1,061 dead mules, almost 5,000 horses, 3,750 cattle and 953 graves. The then value of personal property lost was set at $1,000,000.

The heaviest traffic came from 1849 to 1869. It was still used after completion of the Central Pacific Railroad in 1869.

State Historical Marker No. 26
Nevada State Park System
Churchill County Museum Committee

Also see Truckee Trail Marker 3 south of here on US 95.

Prev | Next
Churchill County: List | Map
State of Nevada: List | Map