Talk:Truckee River

assessment

clearly above a stub. importance is high because it is the only outlet for lake tahoe and it empties into pyramid lake, one of the largest lakes in the western US and also habitat of two endangered fish species. Anlace 14:31, 23 October 2006 (UTC)

Truckee River, Nevada Historical Marker #62

This historical marker is located on eastbound Interstate 80, in between Verdi and Reno, at a rest stop (Watch out for big trucks when entering and leaving this area), and states the following,

"In prehistoric and early historic times, the Truckee Valley in the vicinity of Verdi, was occupied by the Washoe Indians. Their camps were on these flats near the river. Many fish blinds were located nearby for their use in this important subsistence activity. Even an earlier population left its mark in the form of petroglyphs on boulders in the area."

"The Truckee River runs from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, and was first discovered by Captain John C. Fremont in 1844."

"The Stephens-Murphy-Townsend party in 1844 also followed the Truckee River into the Sierra, and crossed the mountains via Donner Pass. The ill-fated Donner Party rested on the Truckee Meadows, at present Reno, but they tarried too long and were caught by the Sierra snows. Despite the Donner Tragedy, many emigrant trains to California, particularly from 1849 to 1852, traveresed the Truckee route. In 1868, the Central Pacfic Railroad followed the Truckee's course. From the 1920's to the 1950's, the surrounding meadows echoed to the heavy exhausts of the giant locomotives. During the same period, the primitive emigrant trail and the early tollroads, were developed into the Lincoln and Victory highways, and then into U.S. 40 and I-80 freeways."--Ronald Van Heest (talk) 18:29, 8 August 2010 (UTC)