Emigrant Pass (Nopah Range) facts for kids
Emigrant Pass is a natural opening, like a low spot, in the Nopah Range mountains in Inyo County, California. It's a bit like a doorway through the mountains! This pass is 2,884 feet (about 879 meters) high. It sits between two valleys: Chicago Valley to the west and California Valley to the east.
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A Journey Through Time: The History of Emigrant Pass
Emigrant Pass has been an important pathway for many years. People have used it to travel between different areas, especially between what is now New Mexico and California.
The Old Spanish Trail
From 1829 to 1848, a famous trading path called the Old Spanish Trail went right through Emigrant Pass. This trail was used by traders like Antonio Armijo. They used horses and mules to carry goods, like blankets and furs, between New Mexico and California. It was a long and tough journey!
The Mormon Road and Wagon Routes
Later, starting in 1847, a new path for wagons was built. This was called the Mormon Road. It followed a similar route to the Old Spanish Trail but was flatter and easier for wagons to use. This road connected Salt Lake City to Los Angeles.
The Gold Rush and Beyond
In 1849, something big happened in California: the Gold Rush! Many people, called Fortyniners, traveled to California hoping to find gold. They, and other people moving west (called emigrants), used this wagon route through Emigrant Pass. It was a popular way to get to California, especially during the winter.
The road through Emigrant Pass continued to be important. From 1855 to 1869, it was part of a major road called the Los Angeles – Salt Lake Road. This road was used to carry goods and supplies by wagon between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.
