WHEATLAND – The historical society in Wheatland is making a push to preserve a little-known wagon trail that marked the end of the Donner Party.
California’s early history is on full display at Wheatland’s historical museum.
“Once a historical site is gone, it’s gone forever and what we’re talking about is America’s heritage,” said Bil Holmes.
Along with Historical Society President Bart Thompson, Holmes is out to preserve a vital piece of it.
“The Emigrant Trail comes from basically the Missouri River and it’s about 2,000 miles long,” Holmes said.
Johnson’s Ranch is the terminus of the Emigrant Trail.
“This is the last two miles of it and it’s pretty undisturbed,” Holmes said.
But what makes it so significant?
“This is where the Donner wagon train survivors all ended up and got their first sustenance help,” Holmes said.
So far, the historical society, along with developer and landowner Angelo Tsakopoulos, are hoping to find solutions to make sure the area is preserved.