>Please help us in locating these widely dispersed objects of material
>culture. If you or your institution has knowledge of, or access to, any
>objects related to the California Gold Rush, or those who participated in
>it, please contact me by e-mail at [log in to unmask], by phone at
>510/238-3842, or snail mail at the address listed below.
>
>Thank you,
>
>Candy Carlson
>Curatorial Assistant
>
>Oakland Museum of California
>History Department
>1000 Oak Street
>Oakland, CA  94607

Hi, Candy!

I used to work for the Forest Service on the Eldorado National Forest in
Pioneer, California. A good part of the Emigrant Trail ran through the
Amador Ranger District and has been thoroughly documented by the District
Archaeologist, Dave Hunt. He could also probably give you some of the
legends of the trail (Tragedy Springs and the "Maiden's Grave"). I'll look
through some of my documentation here (it's something that still interests
me) and share any information I have. The Amador Ranger Station of the
Eldorado National Forest is on Silver Drive in Pioneer, California (95666).
I wish I could remember the telephone number (sorry). You might also want to
check with the owners (I was there six years ago, they may have changed) of
the King George Hotel in Volcano, California which was one of the terminus
points for the trail. They have a really interesting graveyard on a hill
overlooking the town (mostly Gold Rush folks who made it over the trail, but
not much further). I remember folks telling stories in the bar of the King
George. It's not too far from San Francisco (3 1/2 hours?) and well worth
the trip (off Hwy 88).

Hope this helps!

Amy Marshall>