Burnt Wagons, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Burnt Wagons
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Former settlement
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The Burnt Wagons Monument
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Inyo County |
| Official name: Burned Wagons Point | |
| Reference #: | 441 |
Burnt Wagons is a historic spot in Inyo County, California. It is located near Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley. This place is famous because of a dramatic event that happened there in 1849. It reminds us of a group of brave travelers who faced a very tough challenge.
What is Burnt Wagons?
Burnt Wagons is not a town or city today. It is a specific location in Death Valley that has a special monument. This monument tells the story of early pioneers. These pioneers were trying to find a new life in California. The site is about 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Death Valley Junction.
The Story of the '49ers
In 1849, many people traveled to California. They were hoping to find gold during the California Gold Rush. A group of these gold seekers was called the "Jayhawker group." They were from the Midwest of the United States. They tried to find a shortcut through Death Valley. This shortcut would lead them to the gold mines in central California.
Why They Burned Wagons
The journey through Death Valley was extremely difficult. The Jayhawker group faced harsh conditions. They ran out of water and food. Their heavy wagons became a huge problem. To survive, they had to make a very tough decision. They decided to burn their wagons. This made their journey lighter. They also dried the meat from some of their oxen. Then, they continued their journey on foot with the remaining animals. This act of burning their wagons showed how desperate and determined they were.
A Historical Landmark
Today, the site of Burnt Wagons is a recognized historical place. It is known as California Historical Landmark #441. A special monument stands there. It has a plaque that explains the story. The plaque was placed on December 3rd, 1949. It honors the courage of the '49ers. It reminds everyone of the challenges these pioneers faced.
The monument's plaque reads:
BURNED WAGONS POINT Near this monument, the Jayhawker group of Death Valley Forty-Niners, gold seekers from Middle West, who entered Death Valley in 1849 seeking short route to the mines of central California, burned their wagons, dried the meat of some oxen and, with surviving animals, struggled westward on foot.
STATE REGISTERED LANDMARK NO.441
Marker placed by California Centennials Commission.
Base furnished by Death Valley '49ers, Inc.
Dedicated December 3rd, 1949
