Emigrant Gap facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Emigrant Gap |
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| Elevation | ~5,200 ft. / 1,585 m |
| Traversed by |  I-80 Southern Pacific Railroad |
| Location | Placer County, California, United States |
| Range | Sierra Nevada |
| Coordinates | 39°18′11″N 120°39′58″W / 39.303°N 120.666°W |
| Reference #: | 403 |
Emigrant Gap is a special place in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It's a low spot in a ridge. Long ago, in the 1840s, pioneers used this gap. They were traveling to California on the California Trail. The cliffs here were very steep. Pioneers had to lower their wagons with ropes to get through!
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What is Emigrant Gap?
Emigrant Gap got its name because it was a "gap" or low point. It was where early travelers, called emigrants, crossed a ridge. This crossing connected the American River area to the Bear River area. It was a key part of the Truckee Route. This route was a section of the famous California Trail.
A Tough Journey West
Pioneers used the California Trail to move west. They traveled from the United States to California. At that time, California was part of Mexico. It became part of the United States after the Mexican–American War (1846–1848). The journey through Emigrant Gap was very difficult.
A Special Historical Marker
Today, you can find a California historical marker (number 403) near Emigrant Gap. It is located on Interstate 80. This marker remembers the brave and hard work of the pioneers. It was put there on June 25, 1950.
The marker tells us:
- The first covered wagons crossed the Sierra Nevada in 1845.
- They went up to the ridge and then turned west.
- Wagons were lowered by ropes into Bear Valley.
- Hundreds of wagons followed this path.
- This happened before, during, and after the Gold Rush.
- It was a very dangerous part of the trail.
Emigrant Gap is also close to the town of Emigrant Gap, California.
Who Crossed Emigrant Gap?
The famous Donner Party was not the first group to cross Emigrant Gap. The Stephens–Townsend–Murphy Party crossed the Sierra Nevada mountains earlier. They made their journey in 1844–45.
Images for kids
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Landmark marker, Emigrant Gap.
