The Fourty ~ Niner Trail # 235
Posted by: 
Biker Ozzy
N 40° 15.297 W 097° 33.495
14T E 622609 N 4457052
Historical trail used during the Gold Rush.
Waymark Code: WM4K2M
Location: Nebraska, United States
Date Posted: 09/01/2008
Views: 34
Marker reads as follows
THE FORTY-NINER TRAIL
During the nineteenth century the United States underwent a dramatic westward expansion, but perhaps no single event stimulated this mass migration more than the 1848 discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in California. Hundreds of thousands of Americans were struck with "the fever." While some chose to sail to California on the famed Clipper Ships, the vast majority of gold seekers journeyed overland from the Missouri River feeder towns of Independence, St. Joseph, and Council bluffs. Through Nebraska, most travelers followed the established Oregon Trail which also became known as the California or "Forty-Niner" Trail.
The Forty-Niner Trail entered Thayer County near present-day Alexandria and followed the Big Sandy Valley where water, wood, and grass was available. After crossing the Big Sandy near Belvidere the trail proceeded in a southwesterly direction to the banks of the Little Blue. After the establishment of Thompson's Station a few miles south of Belvidere the trail followed the Eighteen Mile Ridge across Thayer County. The route was later used by the Pony Express, freighters, overland stage companies and the railroads.
The trip to California was long and arduous, with disease, heat, lack of water, and Indian threats the constant dangers. The call to adventure possible riches, or a new home in a new land encouraged these hardy pioneers to make the journey along the Forty-Niner Trail.
Thayer County Historical Society
Nebraska State Historical Society
Thayer County Museum grounds, Belvidere
Thayer County
Marker 235
Marker Name: The Fourty ~ Niner Trail # 235
City: no
Roadside: no
Other: yes
Web Address if available:: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Post Pictures:
1. Close up of historical marker
2. Picture of surrounding area (would prefer to have the marker in the picture also). Thanks!