69th annual Hwy 50 Wagon Train rides through South Lake Tahoe

The Highway 50 Wagon Train will once again traverse the Sierra this week, just as the pioneers of the 1800s once did. People seeking riches headed west after gold was discovered near Placerville in 1849, but their routes were varied as very few had traveled that direction before them.

Dubbed the "Roaring Road," travelers left dreams of gold behind in California and ventured to Virginia City for the newly discovered silver by the 1859. Close to what we now know as Highway 50 between South Lake Tahoe and Placerville, the Roaring Road carried hoards of wagons and people on horseback, all seeking the next riches in Nevada.

Travel was so heavy through this area, oftentimes wagon trains were forced to wait for days to have their turn on the road. The trip from gold to silver was seven days long, and instead of bumper to bumper over the 101 mile trip, it was nose to tail. This route continued to be a major travel route and brought those who started homes and businesses on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, finding a need to supply those making the trip.

As early as 1946, almost 100 years after that first cry of "Gold" echoed around the world, a group of local citizens began to ponder the possibility of recreating a wagon train to commemorate the valiant struggles of the early emigrants who found their way to their homes in California via the old "Roaring Road".

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the "Gold Rush", a Wagon Train was formed, to travel west from Lake Tahoe to Placerville (Old Hangtown) along Highway 50. In addition, it was felt that the Wagon Train would draw a great deal of attention to the Highway 50 corridor and the small businesses that operated along it.

The Highway 50 Wagon Train was a smashing success! This "one time" event was not presented in 1950, but due to the overwhelming popularity and encouragement offered, the Wagon Train resumed in 1951, and has made its annual trek each year since that time. What began as a fun filled and exciting adventure has evolved into a true historic event, recognized as such in 1980 by the State of California, and again in 1982 by the State of Nevada. To date, the Highway 50 Association Wagon Train is known as the only Bi-State Historic Event.

On Saturday, June 2, wagons, horse and riders will gather at Round Hill Square Shopping Center for an evening of food and fun before embarking on a week long trip that will end up in "Old Hangtown" on June 9. The public is invited to enjoy several of their stops along the "roaring road."

On June 2, the public is invited to stop by Round Hill and see the horses and wagons. They will take off on Sunday, June 3 at 9:00 a.m. and proceed along Highway 50 to South Lake Tahoe. They'll venture off the highway onto Rufus Allen Boulevard and take a water/lunch stop at about 11:30 a.m. They move at an average of 3 mph, so timing may be a bit off and they now have cars and stoplights to contend with, something their ancestors didn't have to worry about. It's a great photo op so bring the kids, your camera and stop by to say "Howdy." They'll then move on to the Amacker Ranch in Meyers for a private supper before heading over Echo Summit on Monday morning.

On Friday, the Pollock Pines community holds a celebration, followed by the finale on June 9 with a Main Street parade and activities in Placerville.

For future wagon trains, people can join in and ride along. Families are encouraged to join the Wagon Train. Waking up before dawn, savoring the rich aromas of coffee boiling, bacon frying, mingled with the clanking of harness, the soft knickers of horses being readied for the day, and the murmurs of the wranglers going about their duties draws a person away from the pressures of today, and back into a lifetime of excitement, anticipation, and pure delight. Riding for only a day, or for the whole trip, the wonders of this great land are truly appreciated as one travels down the road. Evening campfires, storytelling and low key entertainment round out the experience.

More Information: http://www.hwy50wagontrain.com