Historic Sites and Points of Interest in Nevada County

Donner Camp Site 30 August 2014
(Click Photos to Zoom)
Donner Camp Site (1960 Marker)
State Route 89 North of Alder Creek Road
Donner Camp Historical Site

The marker at the base of the tree reads:

Donner Camp Site

On October 28, 1846 the six covered wagons brought west by George and Jacob Donner and their families halted here for repairs. By March of 1847 one half of the party of 22 adults and children had died of starvation and cold. They came west seeking a new life and found misery and death.

This monument dedicated by
Wm. M. Stewart Chapter, ECV
Nevada County Historical Society
Tahoe National Forest, USFS
Truckee-Donner Chamber of Commerce
Imogene Chapter 134, Sierraville

October 16, 1960

Tall tree stumps were once numerous throughout this area. They were cut by the Donner Party during their winter-long mission of gathering firewood. Stump heights, up to 12 feet, give an indication of the snow depth that winter.

This marker is on the Donner Camp Interpretive Trail.

Prev | Next
Nevada County: List | Map
California: List | Map