What the Plaque/Guide Says:
This was the route of the Crescent City Turnpike, constructed in 1858. Following the present Elk Valley Road to Old Camp Lincoln, it then crossed the ridge, forded Smith River to Low Divide, and continued to Jacksonville, Oregon by way of various gold camps.
More about California Historical Landmark #645:
This was one of two plank roads built in California (the other one was in Imperial County)! In 1854, there were about 800 people living in Crescent City, and they were anxious to keep growing. That meant building some roads to connect with some of the economic resources in Oregon! T. P. Robinson did a survey in October, and though about $50,000 was raised for the project, a financial crash in San Francisco put a halt to the road until 1855!
It was the discovery of gold on Elk Creek that revitalized the project in December of 1856! Work lasted two years until the road was ready for wagons by May of 1858. The shipping season ran from April until the autumn rains started and carried thousands of pounds of freight, mail, and passengers between California and Oregon! The turnpike charge back then was $5 for a two-horse team, $8 for a four-horse team, and $10 for a six-horse team!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Become a member of the Del Norte County Historical Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
3071 Parkway Dr
Crescent City, CA 95531
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!