Edwards Creek Valley

Shoshone families wintered in this valley long before it became a highway, drawn by the grass and brush around its springs. In 1854 Colonel John Reese found a wagon route through here shorter than the punishing Humboldt trail, and surveyor James Simpson formalized it in 1859. After that the valley carried nearly everything moving east and west across Nevada—the Pony Express, the overland telegraph, the mail stages, and the 1862 rush to the Austin silver mines. It stayed the region's main artery until 1880. Highway 50 still threads it.

What the plaque says

Abundant grass and brush found near springs and intermittent streams in Edwards Creek Valley were important ecological areas for Native Americans. Shoshone Indians wandered seasonally to gather wild seeds and small game and settled here in winter camps. Later, Northern Paiutes also lived in the valley. In 1854, Colonel John Reese discovered a route through Edwards Creek Valley that was shorter than the Humboldt Trail. Established by surveyor James Simpson in 1859, it was followed by the Pony Express, the Overland Telegraph, and the Overland Mail stages. An 1862 Austin gold rush passageway too, the route remained as the region's principal commercial artery until 1880. State Historical Marker No. 111 State Historic Preservation Office

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• New Pass Station — 12 mi
• Rock Creek (Cold Springs Station) — 12 mi
• Wagon Jack Shelter — 18 mi
• Wonder — 29 mi