The Rediscovery of Johnson’s Ranch


Jack & Richard Steed

Publication: Overland Journal, Vol. 4, No. 1

Author: Jack & Richard Steed

Date of Publication: 1986

PDF File: Rediscovering-Johnsons-1986.pdf

Description


Nearly every student of western trail history has heard of Johnson’s Ranch. References to it may be seen in pioneer diaries, on maps and in books. Though Sutter’s Fort was, and is, officially known as the western terminus of the Truckee Emigrant Trail to California, most pioneers regarded “trails end” to be at Johnson’s Ranch. During the period 1845-49 Johnson’s was central California’s first emigrant haven along some 1,000 trail miles west of Fort Bridger.