Overland Emigrant Trail

The last stop on the trail was also a starting line. The bronze lists what Johnson's Crossing was for: a camping spot for emigrants who had just come off the mountains, a departure point for miners heading up to the diggings, a stopping place for trappers and herdsmen. It also records the one departure that went back the way the trail came: on February 5, 1847 the party that went up to bring out what was left of the Donner company was organized at the crossing and left from it.

What the plaque says

Overland Emigrant Trail Approximately 1 ¼ miles east of this site is the historic Johnson's Crossing. This was the first settlement reached west of the Sierra and the last stop on the Overland Emigrant Trail. Used as a camping spot for the pioneers, departure spot for the miners and a sojourning place for trappers, herdsmen and adventurers. The rescue party for the Donner Party was organized and departed from this crossing February 5, 1847. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 799-3 Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Yuba County Historical Society, October 26, 1976.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Empire Mine State Historic Park — 21 mi
  The oldest, deepest, richest hard-rock gold mine in California, with 367 miles of flooded tunnels underneath.
• Nevada City — 25 mi
  Gaslamps, brick storefronts, and the Nisenan who are still fighting to be recognized on their own ground.

More markers nearby

• Durst Hop Ranch — 2.6 mi
• Johnson's Ranch — 2.9 mi
• Arboga Assembly Center — 10 mi
• Smartsville — 12 mi