Come
back with us to 1849 and learn what it was like to be a part of the greatest peacetime
migration in the history of the world.Come
back with us to 1849 and learn what it was like to be a part of the greatest peacetime
migration in the history of the world.
Learn why people wanted to go west, even before the discovery of gold.
Learn about the hardy few who blazed the trail across Nevada—from the early mountain men to the first white woman to make the trip—first by wagon and then on foot—with her husband at her side and their infant daughter in her arms.
Learn about the various routes and methods of travel that were then available, both real and fanciful—from the ordinary wagon to steam tractors and dirigibles that would float the traveler across the Sierra Nevada mountains in comfort.
Learn
of the choices that had to be made even before leaving Independence, Missouri, that could
actually mean the difference between life and death—which route, which draft animals
(horses, mules, or oxen?), what to pack and what to leave behind, which train to join,
when to leave.
Once on the trail, learn of their daily routine, the difficulties of the trail, the growing suffering as the grassy plains teeming with buffalo turned to alkali desert and jackrabbits and more dust than anyone could ever imagine.
Hundreds of thousands made it, many with no real hardships; while thousands suffered and died in the effort.
The Trail of the ‘49ers Interpretive Center is operated by the Central Nevada Emigrant Trails Association, a Nevada non-profit corporation. The goal of the association and the Center is to educate local residents and tourists from all over concerning the history of the Western Migration of the 19th century United States.
Using (among other things) diary quotes, maps, old photographs, and contemporary newspaper accounts, the Interpretive Center lets you experience and understand this uniquely American experience.
We hope you will stop for a visit with us! Whether or not you do, as you travel the I-80 corridor, look out the windows of your automobile and try to imagine what it must have been like to travel through here in a covered wagon.
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Central Nevada Emigrant Trails Association, Inc.
A Non-profit Corporation
453 North Second Street
Battle Mountain, NV 89820
(775) 635-5720
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon - Fri
12 noon to 4 p.m. Saturday
Closed Sunday
NOTE: We are closing effective April 1, 2001
We shall be moving to an as yet unnamed new location. Further information on the new location and a future reopening date shall be posted here once that determination has been made.
Admission:
Adults—$2
Students & Seniors—$1
Children under 6—Free
Families—$5