The Pioneer Memorial - Truckee, CA - Smithsonian Art Inventory Sculptures on Waymarking.com

"The sculpture depicts a pioneer family striding westward in a representation of the pioneer spirit. The father walks purposefully with his proper right hand raised to his forehead to shield his eyes from the sun. Beside him on his left side, he caries a flintlock musket. Behind his left leg is a young girl. On his right, his wife walks by his side, her left arm around his waist and her right arm holding a baby to her breast. The sculpture stands on the site of Breen Cabin, one of the structures used by members of the ill-fated Donner Party during the winter of 1846-1847. Although the sculpture is dedicated to all the early pioneers of the 1840s, it has become inextricably bound to the poignant and tragic fate of the Donner party who suffered and perished on this site.


(On bronze base of sculpture, below female's proper left foot:) J. MACQUARRIE/SCULPTURE/SAN FRANCISCO (On bronze base of sculpture, below male's proper left foot:) E. DE. ROME./FOUNDRY./LOUIS M. DE ROME./OAKLAND. (On plaque, west side of base:) E. DE ROME BRONZE FOUNDRY/OAKLAND CAL (On plaque, west side of base:) VIRILE TO RISK AND/FIND; KINDLY WITHAL/AND A READY HELP./FACING THE BRUNT/OF FATE; INDOMI-/TABLE - UNAFRAID. (On plaque, east side of base:) (A narration describing the story of the Donner Party, a group of early pioneers who were stranded atop of the Sierra during the winter of 1846-1887.) signed Founder's mark appears." (visit link)

TITLE: The Pioneer Memorial ARTIST(S): MacQuarrie, John A. 1871-1944 DATE: Base 1910-1917. Sculpture commissioned 1913-1915. Cast 1916-1917. Dedicated June 6, 1918 MEDIUM: Sculpture: bronze; Base: river rock, concrete, cement mortar CONTROL NUMBER: IAS CA000139 Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link] PHYSICAL LOCATION: Located Donner Memorial State Historic Park 1500 feet south of interstate 80 Truckee California 96162 DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH: The sculpture is part of the NRHP. Sculpture is still in good shape.

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