What's Left of the Oregon/California Trail on the Forty Mile Desert in Nevada?

Lets see actual physical evidence of the struggles of California gold rush bound emigrants on the dreaded 40 mile desert, located about 60 miles northeast of Reno, Nevada on the overland trail. Like pioneers on the Oregon Trail which branched off the main route earlier in the journey, emigrants headed to the gold fields of California had hard challenges, but nothing on the entire journey from Missouri out west compared to the terrible crossing of the forty mile desert.

Then we take a visit to the 40 Mile Saloon in midtown Reno for a fine craft beer, and please stay for outtake images and other historic photographs I made on this and other trail routes over the period of 25 years, to the sounds of Reno based rockabilly band Hot Rod Rebellion - Steve (me) guitar, background vocals, Kevin - lead vocals, Andy - upright bass, Tom - drums.

Visit our merch shop! Shirts, hats, stickers etc.!! https://SteveTRYK.redbubble.com

You can get the song or the entire CD here: https://hotrodrebellion.bandcamp.com/

#history #oregontrail #nevada #renonevada #goldrush #californiahistory

Trails West: https://emigranttrailswest.org/

OCTA - Oregon California Trails Association: octa-trails.org

This is the place to learn interesting things about Reno, the state of Nevada, and the west! My name is Steve and I've lived in Reno for 37 years (as an adult!). I've had a lifelong interest in historical topics, and spend much time exploring and researching this wonderful area. I started this channel to share some of what I've learned. I produced a full-length documentary film on the history of Harolds Club casino in 2015.

Perhaps you're thinking of moving to Reno and are looking for background on the area, or you're already a resident and this content might help give you a sense of place. I shall endeavor to cater to both groups!

I'm also a craft beer enthusiast, and thought I'd talk about some of the brewery scene here as well. I started homebrewing 31 years ago in 1992, and earned the Certified Cicerone designation in 2015 - this is a sommelier-like program for beer people.

Please subscribe, share and come along with me on this journey! Thanks and cheers!

Steve