The early California emigrants faced a The early California emigrants faced a dilemma at the Humboldt Sink. What dilemma at the Humboldt Sink. What

was the consequence of either choice? was the consequence of either choice? Which would you have chosen? Why?Which would you have chosen? Why?

You know you’re You know you’re a Tahoe Local if:a Tahoe Local if: You no You no

longer use longer use the weather the weather report for report for planning planning outdoor outdoor activities.activities.

Last Week #3 We LearnedLast Week #3 We Learned Settlers Arrive at Lake Settlers Arrive at Lake

Tahoe – CarsonPass, Tahoe – CarsonPass, Johnson pass, Luther’s Johnson pass, Luther’s Pass, Daggetts Pass, Pass, Daggetts Pass, Kingsbury Grade, Kingsbury Grade, Hawley’s Grade. Hawley’s Grade.

The Lust for SilverThe Lust for Silver The Cost of MiningThe Cost of Mining This week 4This week 4 From Trail to HighwaysFrom Trail to Highways Pony ExpressPony Express Harvesting the ForestsHarvesting the Forests

From Trails to HighwaysFrom Trails to Highways

Moving on the primitive roads and trails were, “every Moving on the primitive roads and trails were, “every kind of earthbound conveyance from carts, ox-drawn kind of earthbound conveyance from carts, ox-drawn wagons to railway coaches on wheels.”wagons to railway coaches on wheels.”

In 1863 it was estimated that 14,652 mules and horses In 1863 it was estimated that 14,652 mules and horses and 1,400 freighters and stages were working the and 1,400 freighters and stages were working the Placerville- Comstock corridor. Placerville- Comstock corridor. pg 36 Obermayr pg 36 Obermayr “Foot Path to “Foot Path to Four-Lane”Four-Lane”

Studebaker in Stockton and Placerville built the smaller Studebaker in Stockton and Placerville built the smaller though tougher “Washoe wagon.” (Actually began though tougher “Washoe wagon.” (Actually began making rugged, durable wheelbarrows)making rugged, durable wheelbarrows)

Unload a 20 ton wagon onto three Washoe wagons (in Unload a 20 ton wagon onto three Washoe wagons (in tow) with sixteen to eighteen mules pulling. tow) with sixteen to eighteen mules pulling. Pg 61 Pg 61 LaundauerLaundauer

Washoe Wagons: a 20 ton load could be divided and loaded on three of these wagons. Landauer pg 61

How much weight can a 18 wheel truck carry on Interstates and truck routes currently?

Vehicles not exceeding 13'6" in height, 8' in width, and 55' in length and are limited to 40 tons can currently travel on Interstates and truck routes.

How Did the Mountain Men and How Did the Mountain Men and Pioneers Know They Were on the Pioneers Know They Were on the

Right Track?Right Track? ‘‘To blaze a trail' was to mark it out by notching To blaze a trail' was to mark it out by notching

trees so that others could follow. The use of trees so that others could follow. The use of blaze to mean the chipping off of a small piece blaze to mean the chipping off of a small piece of bark to mark a path or boundary is American of bark to mark a path or boundary is American in origin. in origin.

Dr. Thomas Walker's 'Journal of Exploration' [of Dr. Thomas Walker's 'Journal of Exploration' [of Kentucky], 1750: Kentucky], 1750:

"I blazed a way from our house to the river." & "I blazed a way from our house to the river." & "I blazed several trees in the fork and marked T. "I blazed several trees in the fork and marked T. W. on a Sycamore Tree."W. on a Sycamore Tree."

Kit Carson BlazeKit Carson Blaze

1856 1856 “UNCLE SAM NEEDS CARRIER”“UNCLE SAM NEEDS CARRIER”

In 1856, a 28 year-old John Thompson walked In 1856, a 28 year-old John Thompson walked into the post master’s office explaining he into the post master’s office explaining he wanted to try carrying the mail over the wanted to try carrying the mail over the Sierra, in winter, on his back. Sierra, in winter, on his back.

The postmaster replied. “The postmaster replied. “The contract The contract carrier (Chorpenning) is the only one who carrier (Chorpenning) is the only one who can sign the northern Nevada contract can sign the northern Nevada contract over to you. I don’t have the authority to over to you. I don’t have the authority to hire you.”hire you.”

http://www.ci.placerville.ca.us/our_city/about/history.asphttp://www.ci.placerville.ca.us/our_city/about/history.asp

In 1856, John A. Thompson becameIn 1856, John A. Thompson became well know for well know for saving a man’s life in South Lake Tahoe during the saving a man’s life in South Lake Tahoe during the winter. What was his nickname?winter. What was his nickname?

““Snow Shoe” Snow Shoe” Thompson.Thompson.

Thomson Saves Sisson’s LifeThomson Saves Sisson’s Life Snowshoe Thompson rescued James Sisson, Snowshoe Thompson rescued James Sisson,

who had been sheltering with half-frozen feet in who had been sheltering with half-frozen feet in a deserted cabin for 12 days, with no food or a deserted cabin for 12 days, with no food or fire. fire.

Once in Genoa, Dr. Daggett reported that Once in Genoa, Dr. Daggett reported that Sisson's feet needed to be amputated, but he Sisson's feet needed to be amputated, but he had no chloroform. had no chloroform.

Thompson set out once again to Placerville, but Thompson set out once again to Placerville, but there was none to be found, so he continued on there was none to be found, so he continued on to Sacramento. to Sacramento.

In all he traveled 400 miles in 10 days, and In all he traveled 400 miles in 10 days, and saved Sisson's life. (Not quite 2 marathons per saved Sisson's life. (Not quite 2 marathons per day for 10 days.) day for 10 days.) http://www.tahoecountry.com/oldtimetahoe/snowshoe.htmlhttp://www.tahoecountry.com/oldtimetahoe/snowshoe.html

Thompson’s LifeThompson’s Life 1856 contracted to carry mail over 1856 contracted to carry mail over

the Sierras in the winter paid the Sierras in the winter paid $80.22.$80.22.

The only year he was paid. “No The only year he was paid. “No contract, no claim.” Post Civil War contract, no claim.” Post Civil War reconstruction.reconstruction.

Notoriety came from James Sisson Notoriety came from James Sisson who was snow bound east of who was snow bound east of Placerville.Placerville.

Virginia City’s “Territorial Virginia City’s “Territorial Enterprise.” Enterprise.”

1859 snow travel by sleigh Slippery 1859 snow travel by sleigh Slippery Ford – Luther’s Pass - Hope Valley.Ford – Luther’s Pass - Hope Valley.

Stopped winter crossing 1869.Stopped winter crossing 1869. 1872 moved to Alpine County. 1872 moved to Alpine County.

Went to Washington DC. to collect Went to Washington DC. to collect for services rendered.for services rendered.

Buried in Genoa 1876.Buried in Genoa 1876.

Two to Four Times a Month Two to Four Times a Month During the WinterDuring the Winter

Regardless of weather, Snowshoe Regardless of weather, Snowshoe Thompson set out at the appointed hour. Thompson set out at the appointed hour.

His mail run took 3 days from Placerville to His mail run took 3 days from Placerville to Mormon Station, Utah (Nevada's first town, Mormon Station, Utah (Nevada's first town, later called Genoa when Nevada became a later called Genoa when Nevada became a state), and two days on the return trip. state), and two days on the return trip.

http://www.tahoecountry.com/oldtimetahoe/snowshoe.htmlhttp://www.tahoecountry.com/oldtimetahoe/snowshoe.html

???

Other Mail Carriers That Crossed Other Mail Carriers That Crossed the Sierra Nevadathe Sierra Nevada

Thompson was the most popular but not the first to Thompson was the most popular but not the first to carry mail across the Sierras.carry mail across the Sierras.

Fred BishopFred Bishop Jacob Dritt Jacob Dritt George PierceGeorge Pierce Jack C. JohnsonJack C. Johnson Landauer page 63Landauer page 63 1853 Fred Bishop and a man named Dritt “alternated 1853 Fred Bishop and a man named Dritt “alternated

with each other in making the trips.” They used “what with each other in making the trips.” They used “what was called the basket form, or Canadian pattern of was called the basket form, or Canadian pattern of snowshoe,” George Pierce was said to have succeeded snowshoe,” George Pierce was said to have succeeded Bishop and Dritt. Jack C. Johnson, who likewise Bishop and Dritt. Jack C. Johnson, who likewise preceded Thompson. preceded Thompson. http://www.naha.stolaf.edu/pubs/nas/volume19/vol19_4.htmhttp://www.naha.stolaf.edu/pubs/nas/volume19/vol19_4.htm

1855 California Wagon Road Act1855 California Wagon Road Act

In 1857, CA State Senator, Captain W.T. In 1857, CA State Senator, Captain W.T. Sherman Day, surveyor of California (with the Sherman Day, surveyor of California (with the help from Surveyor General H. S. Marlette) help from Surveyor General H. S. Marlette) decided the American River Canyon (Johnson decided the American River Canyon (Johnson Route) was the best route over the Sierra’s.Route) was the best route over the Sierra’s.

Estimated cost of $100,000 and could be Estimated cost of $100,000 and could be complete in 10 years.complete in 10 years.

1857 Placerville businesses (Business 1857 Placerville businesses (Business Improvement District) raised $5,000 to improve Improvement District) raised $5,000 to improve the road between Slippery Ford and Lake the road between Slippery Ford and Lake Valley.Valley.

The Virginia City, Comstock Load in 1859 The Virginia City, Comstock Load in 1859 accelerated private investors in finishing the accelerated private investors in finishing the road.road.

1853 William Bartlett’s Emigrant’s Guide to California had the trail going though the bridge he had rights to charge a toll.

Slippery Ford

Lake Valley

1857 Placerville business (Business 1857 Placerville business (Business Improvement District) raised $5,000 to Improvement District) raised $5,000 to improve the road between Slippery Ford improve the road between Slippery Ford and Lake Valleyand Lake Valley

Lack of Funds from El Dorado County Resulted Lack of Funds from El Dorado County Resulted In Poor County Road MaintenanceIn Poor County Road Maintenance

County Toll franchises County Toll franchises were primarily used to were primarily used to have new, higher quality have new, higher quality roads for the heavy East roads for the heavy East bound freight. Eventually bound freight. Eventually the Emigrants had free the Emigrants had free passage West bound.passage West bound.

Stream crossings and Stream crossings and narrow trails made natural narrow trails made natural stopping places for the toll stopping places for the toll keeper.keeper.

Osgood's Toll House at the South Lake Tahoe Museum

SlipperyFord

1862 South 1862 South Fork Toll Fork Toll RoadRoad

1860 Swan-1860 Swan-Harvey from Harvey from Three Mile to Three Mile to Five MileFive Mile

1861 River 1861 River Toll RoadToll Road

1856 (58) El Dorado 1856 (58) El Dorado County RoadCounty Road 1860 Swan-1860 Swan-

Henry Toll RoadHenry Toll Road

1860 1864 1860 1864 Ogilsby GradeOgilsby Grade

1860 1860 South South Weber Weber TurnpikeTurnpike

1860 Osgood 1860 Osgood Toll RoadToll Road

1850-51 Col. John Calhoun 1850-51 Col. John Calhoun Johnson’s Cut off roadJohnson’s Cut off road

Georgetown Junction now (Wright’s Lake Road)

**1862 - Seven Toll Franchises were 1862 - Seven Toll Franchises were Granted From Placerville to Lake ValleyGranted From Placerville to Lake Valley 1860 a porch sitter counted 353 wagons in one day. 1860 a porch sitter counted 353 wagons in one day.

Laundauer pg 70Laundauer pg 70 3000 teams of horses were used to pull the Washoe 3000 teams of horses were used to pull the Washoe

wagons.wagons. 1860 $700,000 for freight teams alone.1860 $700,000 for freight teams alone. 1860 Total of $1,300,000 was collected by toll road 1860 Total of $1,300,000 was collected by toll road

operators.operators. **1869 Central Pacific was operating and the traffic and 1869 Central Pacific was operating and the traffic and

Toll House revenue quickly dwindled. Toll House revenue quickly dwindled. **1887 to 1895 the road fell to disrepair and all of the 1887 to 1895 the road fell to disrepair and all of the

toll road franchises were purchased by El Dorado toll road franchises were purchased by El Dorado County. County.

**1895 the State of California took over as the first State 1895 the State of California took over as the first State Highway for improvement and maintenance. “The Lake Highway for improvement and maintenance. “The Lake Tahoe Wagon Road Act.”Tahoe Wagon Road Act.”

1862 J. R. Atkins – 1862 J. R. Atkins – Central Pacific Railroad Central Pacific Railroad During the Civil WarDuring the Civil War

Collecting data for train hauling revenue Collecting data for train hauling revenue estimates.estimates.

Eight week period ending October 10, 1862 Eight week period ending October 10, 1862 reported.reported.

171 Stages carrying 4,462 passengers to 171 Stages carrying 4,462 passengers to Placerville.Placerville.

169 Stages carrying 4,142 away from Placerville.169 Stages carrying 4,142 away from Placerville. 9,692 tons of freight were shipped Eastward from 9,692 tons of freight were shipped Eastward from

Placerville. 1,211 tons per week!!! 173 tons per Placerville. 1,211 tons per week!!! 173 tons per day. Approximately 9 - 20 ton Washoe wagons day. Approximately 9 - 20 ton Washoe wagons per day!!!per day!!!

One wagon made $10,400 while working only 83 One wagon made $10,400 while working only 83 days hauling equipment and ore. days hauling equipment and ore. Saga I pg 367Saga I pg 367

Stage Coach Near the Sierra Stage Coach Near the Sierra NevadaNevada

1857 Pioneer Sierra Nevada Stage line - owners 1857 Pioneer Sierra Nevada Stage line - owners Col. JB Crandall and Sunderland.Col. JB Crandall and Sunderland.

Semi weekly $125 each way Placerville – Echo – Semi weekly $125 each way Placerville – Echo – Hawley’s Grade – Luther – Carson Valley.Hawley’s Grade – Luther – Carson Valley.

1858 Three stage trips per week. Placerville to 1858 Three stage trips per week. Placerville to Genoa. 12 Concord Coaches.Genoa. 12 Concord Coaches.

1858 Lewis and Brady started a run twice 1858 Lewis and Brady started a run twice weekly Sacramento to Carson City. Bought the weekly Sacramento to Carson City. Bought the Pioneer Sierra Nevada Stage line the next year. Pioneer Sierra Nevada Stage line the next year. Then sold to Wells Fargo and Co. in 1860.Then sold to Wells Fargo and Co. in 1860.

1859 Thompson and JH Child opened winter 1859 Thompson and JH Child opened winter travel with sleighs from Placerville to Genoa. travel with sleighs from Placerville to Genoa. Wagons up to the snow level. Wagons up to the snow level. Landauer pg 68Landauer pg 68

1864 J.M. "Doc" Benton, Civil War surgeon. He engaged in mining and milling until 1867 when he entered the livery and stable business. Benton became the proprietor of the stage line running between Carson and Lake Tahoe. Hank Monk was a driver for Benton's Livery for many years.

Hank MonkHank Monk

Twain, “Hank Monk cracked his whip and started off at an awful pace. The coach bounced up and down in such a terrific way that it jolted the buttons all off of Horace’s coat. According to legend, Monk could make the 109-mile journey between Carson City and Placerville in less than 10 hours.

1823 - 1883

Pony Express and Telegraph 1860Pony Express and Telegraph 1860

Pony Express RoutePony Express Route

St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, CASt. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, CA Used 400 horses. (2008 inflation adjusted = $2,000 Used 400 horses. (2008 inflation adjusted = $2,000

each) each) (Larry Carpenter - Pony Express Association media chairperson 10/14/2008)(Larry Carpenter - Pony Express Association media chairperson 10/14/2008) Employed 183 men.Employed 183 men. Distance of 1,980 miles. Distance of 1,980 miles. 165 stations. Used existing buildings when possible.165 stations. Used existing buildings when possible. 10-16 days one way.10-16 days one way. $5.00 per 1/2 ounce letter (2008 inflation adjusted = $5.00 per 1/2 ounce letter (2008 inflation adjusted =

$82) later reduced to $1.00.  $82) later reduced to $1.00.  Riders changed every 70 to 75 miles. Were paid $25/ Riders changed every 70 to 75 miles. Were paid $25/

week Buffalo Bill Cody rode for 2½ months. One time week Buffalo Bill Cody rode for 2½ months. One time he rode 22 horses in 24 hours about 360 miles.he rode 22 horses in 24 hours about 360 miles.

Changed horses every 10-15 miles.Changed horses every 10-15 miles. Some National News was given at Carson City NV then Some National News was given at Carson City NV then

telegraphed to Sacramento for newspapers.telegraphed to Sacramento for newspapers. National Pony Express Association web site National Pony Express Association web site

www.xphomestation.com

The Pony Express began in 1860. The Pony Express began in 1860. When did the Pony Express End?When did the Pony Express End?

18611861

Ben Holiday buys Pony ExpressBen Holiday buys Pony Express 1861 1861 CCentral entral OOverland verland CCalifornia & alifornia & PPike'sike's

PPeak Express Company had $870,000 of eak Express Company had $870,000 of debt. Russell, Majors, and Waddell had debt. Russell, Majors, and Waddell had borrowed extensively from Ben Holladay. borrowed extensively from Ben Holladay.

Ben Holladay purchased the company in Ben Holladay purchased the company in a foreclosure auction in order to protect a foreclosure auction in order to protect his investment. Included was the his investment. Included was the stagecoach line. He had no intentions of stagecoach line. He had no intentions of resurrecting the profit challenged Pony resurrecting the profit challenged Pony Express. Express. http://www.nps.gov/archive/poex/hrs/hrs9.htmhttp://www.nps.gov/archive/poex/hrs/hrs9.htm

**Name the Two (Three) Pony Name the Two (Three) Pony Express Stations in the South Shore.Express Stations in the South Shore. The Markleeville, Luther Pass to The Markleeville, Luther Pass to

the base of Hawley’s Grade. Lake the base of Hawley’s Grade. Lake Valley House for a few months Valley House for a few months then changed to the shorter then changed to the shorter Daggett Pass - Lake Valley route. Daggett Pass - Lake Valley route.

Friday’s Station – near StatelineFriday’s Station – near Stateline Yank’s Station – near Lira’s Yank’s Station – near Lira’s

MarketMarket

Placerville

Which would be the fastest route?

Friday’s StationFriday’s Station

Blacksmith’s Shop

This sign was here before This sign was here before Lira’s Market sign.Lira’s Market sign.

Lovers Leap

Current bridge

Register RockHank Monk’s

Rock

Slippery Ford House

Swan Henry Toll Road

Johnson’s Cut-off

Used 1853-1861

1860 – 1940’?

Used 1940’s to present

Swan Henry Toll Road

Toll Road near Slippery FordToll Road near Slippery Ford

Camp Sacramento

Horsetail Falls

Used 1853-1861

Used 1861 – 1949?

Crossing a fordCrossing a ford A A fordford is a place in a watercourse (most is a place in a watercourse (most

commonly a stream or river) that is commonly a stream or river) that is shallow enough to be crossed by wading, shallow enough to be crossed by wading, on horseback, or in a wheeled vehicle. on horseback, or in a wheeled vehicle.

The names of many towns and villages are The names of many towns and villages are derived from the word 'ford', for example derived from the word 'ford', for example Oxford (a ford where oxen crossed the Oxford (a ford where oxen crossed the river: see the Oxford coat of arms), or river: see the Oxford coat of arms), or Stratford (a ford on a Roman road). Stratford (a ford on a Roman road). Similarly, the German word Similarly, the German word furtfurt (as in (as in Frankfurt and Klagenfurt)Frankfurt and Klagenfurt)

Register RocksRegister Rocks

Slippery Ford HouseSlippery Ford House

Hank Monk’s RockHank Monk’s Rock

Telegraph T- mailTelegraph T- mail 1858 Placerville to 1858 Placerville to

GenoaGenoa 1861 Salt Lake City 1861 Salt Lake City

(fall)(fall) Operators were Operators were

aka “lighting aka “lighting strikers”strikers”

One Minute ReviewOne Minute Review What was the most useful or What was the most useful or

meaningful thing you learned during meaningful thing you learned during this session?this session?

What question(s) remain upper-most What question(s) remain upper-most in your mind as we end this session?in your mind as we end this session?

You know you’re You know you’re a Tahoe Local if:a Tahoe Local if: You install You install

security security lights on lights on your house your house and garage and garage and leave and leave both both unlocked.unlocked.

Last Hour We LearnedLast Hour We Learned From Trail to From Trail to

Highways, Pony Highways, Pony ExpressExpress

This Hour #2This Hour #2 Harvesting the Harvesting the

ForestsForests

US HistoryUS History 1860 Presidential candidates: 1860 Presidential candidates: Lincoln Lincoln (Republican) received 40% of the Popular vote (plurality) 59% Electoral (Republican) received 40% of the Popular vote (plurality) 59% Electoral

vote.vote. Stephen Douglas Stephen Douglas (Northern Democrat, very few Southern votes 29% Popular (Northern Democrat, very few Southern votes 29% Popular

vote)vote) Breckenridge Breckenridge (Southern Democrat, very few Northern votes. 24% Popular vote)(Southern Democrat, very few Northern votes. 24% Popular vote)

Bell Bell (Southern Independent, very few votes 7% Popular vote)(Southern Independent, very few votes 7% Popular vote) November: Lincoln elected President. November: Lincoln elected President.

Republican political platform was to Republican political platform was to restrict slavery. Lincoln was not on the restrict slavery. Lincoln was not on the ballot in 10 southern states.ballot in 10 southern states.• Mississippi History Now On line publication The Road to War (1846-Mississippi History Now On line publication The Road to War (1846-

1860) site1860) site

Nevada HistoryNevada History March 2, 1861: Two days before Lincoln is March 2, 1861: Two days before Lincoln is

inaugurated the Nevada Territory was created inaugurated the Nevada Territory was created by Democratic President James Buchanan. by Democratic President James Buchanan.

Nevada Territory set by the Federal Nevada Territory set by the Federal Government Chap LXXXIII: Government Chap LXXXIII: “due west to the “due west to the dividing ridge separating the waters of dividing ridge separating the waters of Carson Valley from those that flow into Carson Valley from those that flow into the Pacific; then on said dividing the Pacific; then on said dividing ridge…”ridge…” The dividing ridge was the crest The dividing ridge was the crest of the Sierra Nevada and waters that of the Sierra Nevada and waters that flow eastward.flow eastward.

The purpose appears to have the land The purpose appears to have the land division relative to an easily determined division relative to an easily determined natural boundary of the Great Basin. (not the natural boundary of the Great Basin. (not the existing, difficult to define latitude and existing, difficult to define latitude and longitude) longitude)

Guy Rocha, Nevada State Archivist http://dmla.clan.lib.nv.us/docs/nsla/archives/myth12.htmGuy Rocha, Nevada State Archivist http://dmla.clan.lib.nv.us/docs/nsla/archives/myth12.htm

1864 Presidential Election Politics1864 Presidential Election Politics

1864 March 21: Enabling Act 1864 March 21: Enabling Act (invitation from the Federal (invitation from the Federal Government to become part of the Government to become part of the United States) for Nevada Territory,United States) for Nevada Territory,

Nevada added the local Indian Nevada added the local Indian population (usually counted only to population (usually counted only to know how large the reservation know how large the reservation would be) to inflate the population to would be) to inflate the population to meet the minimum number of meet the minimum number of 60,000 residents for statehood.60,000 residents for statehood. Guy Rocha, Guy Rocha, Nevada State Archivist Nevada State Archivist http://dmla.clan.lib.nv.us/docs/nsla/archives/myth73.htmhttp://dmla.clan.lib.nv.us/docs/nsla/archives/myth73.htm

1864 Presidential Election Politics1864 Presidential Election Politics 1864 October 311864 October 31stst Nevada was Nevada was

proclaimed the 36proclaimed the 36thth state. Came in as a state. Came in as a free state.free state.

1864 November 81864 November 8thth elections Lincoln won elections Lincoln won decisively over Northern Democrat, decisively over Northern Democrat, McClellan. Nevada had qualified three McClellan. Nevada had qualified three Electoral College voters. Electoral College voters.

7th largest land coverage.7th largest land coverage. U.S. gold producer.U.S. gold producer.

Harvesting the Tahoe Forests – Harvesting the Tahoe Forests – Why?Why?

Comstock Lode in Virginia City needed wood to install power Comstock Lode in Virginia City needed wood to install power driven hoists, 3000 foot deep elevators, ventilation systems, shore driven hoists, 3000 foot deep elevators, ventilation systems, shore up the mine walls from caving in and steam power for the pumps up the mine walls from caving in and steam power for the pumps to get excess water out of the depths.to get excess water out of the depths.

The first to go were the straight Douglas-fir. Lumber companies The first to go were the straight Douglas-fir. Lumber companies would frequently lop off the top 50 feet that had branches and only would frequently lop off the top 50 feet that had branches and only use the straight trunk. use the straight trunk.

Philip Deidesheimer, German engineer “square-set” timbering.Philip Deidesheimer, German engineer “square-set” timbering. 12 inches by 12 inches wide, 15 to 20 feet long caused voracious 12 inches by 12 inches wide, 15 to 20 feet long caused voracious

forest consumption.forest consumption. A typical Comstock mine could burn upward of 25 cords a day for A typical Comstock mine could burn upward of 25 cords a day for

the operation of their hoisting works and the huge Cornish water the operation of their hoisting works and the huge Cornish water pumps needed to keep the mines free of water. pumps needed to keep the mines free of water. http://www.vcnevada.com/history/Vnthist.htmhttp://www.vcnevada.com/history/Vnthist.htm

Tahoe’s best trees lay beneath Virginia City’s 400- 700 miles of Tahoe’s best trees lay beneath Virginia City’s 400- 700 miles of shafts. shafts.

Tahoe Forests – where did they go? Tahoe Forests – where did they go? What came back?What came back?

Trees were used to build hotels, houses, barns, Trees were used to build hotels, houses, barns, boats, bridges and powered steam engines. boats, bridges and powered steam engines. Virginia City’s wooden buildings. Conflagration Virginia City’s wooden buildings. Conflagration 1870’s.1870’s.

**The work was done with a cross cut or buck saw. The work was done with a cross cut or buck saw. Pulled with High-wheel trailers and dragged.Pulled with High-wheel trailers and dragged.

High WheelersHigh Wheelers

.

To Reno

To Carson City

8989

8928

28

431

50

207

Lake Tahoe

Woodburn’s Lake Valley Saw Mill 1860 – 1890’s Saga I pg185 Gruener pg 13

Pray’s Mills 1860 -1873 Saga I pg 265

D. L Bliss Mills 1873- 1897 Saga I pg 270

Goff and Morill Mills 1863 -1871 Hit a cannon ball 1871. Saga I pg 267

Saga I pg 196, Grreuner pg 4 Saw Mill Pond Celio 1927 to 1940’s

Celio Lumber Co. (Upper Lake Valley) 1905 converted to steam 1910 to 1920 Saga I pg 196

Hobart Mills 1878 – 1897 Sierra Nevada Wood and Lumber Co. Saga I pg 305

Augustus Saxton’s Mill in Tahoe Park. 1863 to 1877 54-foot high overshot double circular saw. Provided ties for the Central Pacific Railroad Saga I pg 57

Lucky Baldwin Mill on Fallen Leaf Lake 1890’s Saga I pg 145 Heavenly Valley Creek Mill

1859 Saga I pg185

Folsom Mills 1888 Saga I pg 240

Spooner, Elliott Brother, Davis Mills Saga I pg 270

Saw Mills

Howe and Montrose saw mill Saga I pg 240

William M. Cary Grist Mills 1864 Saga I pg 236

Flood, Fair, O’ Brian, MacKay 1874 - Pacific Wood, Lumber and Fluming Co. Marlette, Folsom wood camp #1 1881 to 1888, Overton 1888 -1895 Saga I pg 317

H. E. Casey Saw Mill Flat 1881 1896 Saga I pg 342

Augustus Colwell Mills 1867 -1877 Saga I pg 91

1860 Pixley’s SawMill Farest Picture Anitonuccipg 68

Fallen Leaf Lake SawmillFallen Leaf Lake Sawmill

Lucky Baldwin's Sawmill at the NW end of Fallen Leaf Lake. Lucky Baldwin's Sawmill at the NW end of Fallen Leaf Lake. The mill was used for milling lumber for some of the Tallac The mill was used for milling lumber for some of the Tallac

Resort buildings. Photo is from 1938 after Anita Baldwin Resort buildings. Photo is from 1938 after Anita Baldwin converted it into a boathouse and garage. The building to converted it into a boathouse and garage. The building to the right is a bathhouse. the right is a bathhouse.

**How Did the Wood Get to the How Did the Wood Get to the (Pray) Glenbrook Mills?(Pray) Glenbrook Mills?

Cut trees down, put into the lake Cut trees down, put into the lake (being dragged on wooden rails or (being dragged on wooden rails or later by train) and “log booms” later by train) and “log booms” towed to Glenbrook.towed to Glenbrook.

D.L. Bliss, “No trees less than 15 D.L. Bliss, “No trees less than 15 inches in diameter at the base should inches in diameter at the base should be cut because of the most scenic of be cut because of the most scenic of forests should not be ruined.”forests should not be ruined.”

Chain Loading Logs into a Solid Wheeled Chain Loading Logs into a Solid Wheeled Wagon with a Six Ox TeamWagon with a Six Ox Team

16 Horses Hauling Logs to the Lake or 16 Horses Hauling Logs to the Lake or Mills Before TrainsMills Before Trains

Tripod Log Loaders/UnloadersTripod Log Loaders/Unloaders

Ox Teams Hauling Logs on a Spur Ox Teams Hauling Logs on a Spur Track to the Lake or MillsTrack to the Lake or Mills

Trains dump the logs to Lake TahoeTrains dump the logs to Lake Tahoe

Log Booms in TahoeLog Booms in Tahoe

On the way to Spooner Summit On the way to Spooner Summit switchbacksswitchbacks

**How Do You Move the Lumber How Do You Move the Lumber Down Hill?Down Hill?

1867 V-flume for lumber inventor J.W. 1867 V-flume for lumber inventor J.W. Haines.Haines.

Fill with water or grease the sides, let go Fill with water or grease the sides, let go and shoot!and shoot!

1873 Carson and Tahoe Lumber and 1873 Carson and Tahoe Lumber and Fluming Company, D. L. Bliss and Hume Fluming Company, D. L. Bliss and Hume Yerington had a 12 mile long V-flume from Yerington had a 12 mile long V-flume from Spooner’s summit to Carson City.Spooner’s summit to Carson City.

Then load the wood on the V& T Railroad.Then load the wood on the V& T Railroad.

The Carson and Tahoe Lumber and The Carson and Tahoe Lumber and Fluming Company Railroad at Fluming Company Railroad at

Spooner SummitSpooner Summit

Spooner Spooner Summit “V” Summit “V”

Flume – Flume – Flowing Flowing Towards Towards

Carson City Carson City Through Through

Clear Creek Clear Creek CanyonCanyon

““V” Flume down Clear Creek V” Flume down Clear Creek Canyon (Current Highway 50)Canyon (Current Highway 50)

““V” flume to Carson City YardV” flume to Carson City Yard 

Virginia and Truckee Train Flume Virginia and Truckee Train Flume JunctionJunction

Virginia City Burned Down in 1875. Virginia City Burned Down in 1875. How Did Virginia City Increase the How Did Virginia City Increase the

Water Supply?Water Supply?1.1. A 12 foot dam at Marlette Lake. Marlette Lake, elevation A 12 foot dam at Marlette Lake. Marlette Lake, elevation

7823 feet, is on the Tahoe side of the Carson Range.7823 feet, is on the Tahoe side of the Carson Range.2.2. Built a wooden flume to carry water to Incline Village.Built a wooden flume to carry water to Incline Village.3.3. Blasted a 4000 foot tunnel through the Carson Range.Blasted a 4000 foot tunnel through the Carson Range.4.4. After the tunnel the water emptied into Hobart Lake.After the tunnel the water emptied into Hobart Lake.5.5. An 8 inch wrought iron pipe from Hobart Lake to Virginia An 8 inch wrought iron pipe from Hobart Lake to Virginia

City. 7 mile inverted siphon. (Oklahoma credit card)City. 7 mile inverted siphon. (Oklahoma credit card)6.6. Filled the reservoir in Virginia City with 10 million extra Filled the reservoir in Virginia City with 10 million extra

gallons of water per day. gallons of water per day. 7.7. The Marlette Lake Flume on the Tahoe side is no longer The Marlette Lake Flume on the Tahoe side is no longer

used. Water from Marlette is still used by diesel powered used. Water from Marlette is still used by diesel powered pumps during drought years. However, the Hobart to pumps during drought years. However, the Hobart to Virginia City inverted siphon system has been in continuous Virginia City inverted siphon system has been in continuous use since 1875.use since 1875.

Virginia City Inverted Siphon MapVirginia City Inverted Siphon Map

Marlette Lake 1876

Virginia City 1859

Flume Trail (bike) →Hobart Lake 1873

Old-growth yellow Old-growth yellow pine forests (Jeffrey pine forests (Jeffrey or Ponderosa pine)or Ponderosa pine)

Spooner Summit in the 1880’s

True or False. Tahoe Has Always True or False. Tahoe Has Always Had Acres and Acres of Trees?Had Acres and Acres of Trees?

Forest PlunderedForest Plundered 1875 C.F. McGlashan Sacramento paper “the 1875 C.F. McGlashan Sacramento paper “the

supply of lumber in the lake basin is by no means supply of lumber in the lake basin is by no means in-exhaustible.”in-exhaustible.”

1893 Carson City Appeal, “Forest Devastation.”1893 Carson City Appeal, “Forest Devastation.” Since the 19th century, white fir and incense Since the 19th century, white fir and incense

cedar have doubled in relative abundance, cedar have doubled in relative abundance, whereas Jeffrey pine has declined by half. Tree whereas Jeffrey pine has declined by half. Tree density is currently 184% of historic conditions, density is currently 184% of historic conditions, most of which is comprised of trees less than 16" most of which is comprised of trees less than 16" in diameter. in diameter. http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu/forest-plan/documents/ltbmu.shtmlhttp://www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu/forest-plan/documents/ltbmu.shtml

Tahoe Tahoe Logging Logging

MapMapTRPA / Forest ServiceTRPA / Forest Servicehttp://www.trpa.org/documents/agendashttp://www.trpa.org/documents/agendas

/Archive/apc_agendas/1985/1985-/Archive/apc_agendas/1985/1985-JANUARY.PDFJANUARY.PDF

Lake Tahoe Fire LookoutsLake Tahoe Fire Lookouts The Angora Fire Lookout served the Tahoe Basin’s The Angora Fire Lookout served the Tahoe Basin’s

fire surveillance needs for many years until it was fire surveillance needs for many years until it was replaced in the late 1970s by improvements in replaced in the late 1970s by improvements in aerial and satellite technology.aerial and satellite technology.

The first lookout was built in 1924 and was one of The first lookout was built in 1924 and was one of many standard lookout designs conceived by many standard lookout designs conceived by forester Coert DuBois in 1914 to be used by the forester Coert DuBois in 1914 to be used by the Forest Service nationwide.Forest Service nationwide.

This structure was later converted into a small This structure was later converted into a small residence for the individuals in charge of the residence for the individuals in charge of the lookout. In 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corps lookout. In 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the current lookout alongside the constructed the current lookout alongside the original and a third structure was built in the original and a third structure was built in the 1940s that served as the garage. 1940s that served as the garage. http://www.laketahoenews.net/2009/09/angora-lookout-needs-volunteershttp://www.laketahoenews.net/2009/09/angora-lookout-needs-volunteers

AngoraAngora

Comparison Lake Tahoe Basin forests Comparison Lake Tahoe Basin forests with the Sierra San Pedro Martir with the Sierra San Pedro Martir

(SSPM) in Baja, Mexico.(SSPM) in Baja, Mexico. The SSPM forests are very similar to those of the Lake The SSPM forests are very similar to those of the Lake

Tahoe Basin in terms of overstory tree composition, Tahoe Basin in terms of overstory tree composition, rainfall, soils, and other ecological parameters. rainfall, soils, and other ecological parameters.

The SSPM have never been logged and still have the The SSPM have never been logged and still have the historic fire regime intact. historic fire regime intact.

The stem densities are much lower in SSPM forests than The stem densities are much lower in SSPM forests than in Lake Tahoe forests. For trees over 20 cm diameter, in Lake Tahoe forests. For trees over 20 cm diameter, densities are densities are

536 logged Tahoe sites536 logged Tahoe sites 324 unlogged Tahoe sites 324 unlogged Tahoe sites 134 trees/hectare SSPM. 134 trees/hectare SSPM.

http://trg.ucdavis.edu/research/annualreport/contents/forest/article24.html http://trg.ucdavis.edu/research/annualreport/contents/forest/article24.html

Sierra San Pedro Sierra San Pedro Martir divides Baja Martir divides Baja California into an California into an eastern sector (San eastern sector (San Felipe side) and a Felipe side) and a western sector (for western sector (for about 200 km south about 200 km south of Ensenada). The of Ensenada). The highest peak in the highest peak in the range is about 3,100 range is about 3,100 meters (10,200 feet). meters (10,200 feet). Typical conifer Typical conifer species include species include White Fir, Sugar Pine White Fir, Sugar Pine and Jeffery Pine. and Jeffery Pine. Snow usually coats Snow usually coats the highest peaks of the highest peaks of the range during the range during winter winter

Forest PlunderedForest Plundered The 200,000 acre forest surrounding Lake Tahoe The 200,000 acre forest surrounding Lake Tahoe

is currently overly dense and stressed. 536 trees is currently overly dense and stressed. 536 trees per acre in logged areas. 134 trees per acre in per acre in logged areas. 134 trees per acre in comparison of similar forest. comparison of similar forest.

Understanding that fires are not avoidable, if you Understanding that fires are not avoidable, if you are a fire fighter fighting a fire, which forest are a fire fighter fighting a fire, which forest density would you prefer to defend?density would you prefer to defend?

134 trees per acre. 134 trees per acre. Remember the Angora Fire June 24, 2007. Remember the Angora Fire June 24, 2007. 536 trees per acre536 trees per acre Due to drought, overstocked forest stands, and Due to drought, overstocked forest stands, and

the suppression of fire since the Comstock the suppression of fire since the Comstock logging era, some of the Tahoe Basin's forests logging era, some of the Tahoe Basin's forests are in a serious state of decline. are in a serious state of decline.

http://www.usda.gov/news/tahoe/eight.htm137

One Minute ReviewOne Minute Review What was the most useful or What was the most useful or

meaningful thing you learned during meaningful thing you learned during this session?this session?

What question(s) remain upper-most What question(s) remain upper-most in your mind as we end this session?in your mind as we end this session?

Chapter 8 Quiz QuestionChapter 8 Quiz Question

Describe how the Describe how the lumber got from a lumber got from a standing tree in standing tree in Tahoe to a Virginia Tahoe to a Virginia City mine “square City mine “square set.”set.”