Gold Rush wagon train making way through Nevada

DAYTON, Nev. - A wagon train that left Kansas four months ago in celebration of the California Gold Rush made its way through Virginia City and was headed for Dayton, home of the first discovery of gold in Nevada.

About 20 core members have been making their way across the West as part of the historic, non-profit, 2,300-mile California Gold Rush Wagon Train.

So far, they've survived searing heat, lightning-packed thunderstorms and brush fires.

"This journey has tested and challenged all of us every day. But that's been the idea from the start," said wagon master Russell Leger of Plattsmouth, Neb.

The group is commemorating the 150th anniversary of the rush to California's gold fields with five authentic, mule-driven covered wagons.

Leger said the trip across the Silver State over the past month has been marked by fire and rain. They passed through Virginia City on Wednesday.

"The Forty Mile Desert really caught us off guard with all the rain. Then after that, we struggled through the sand," Leger said.

The modern-day pioneers left Atchison, Kan., on April 3 and picked up others along the way for short segments. The size of the wagon train has ranged from 20-40 people traveling 20-25 miles a day on country and back roads, state and U.S. highways.

Leger said the 2,300-mile "Going for Gold" trek is aimed at providing a glimpse into the hardships faced by the early pioneers and to try to understand their courage and sacrifices as they struggled to settle the West.

"It's been the trip of a lifetime. We're down to the last 145 miles, and we're saddened by that," Leger said.

After Dayton, they plan to pull into Carson City on Friday. Participants plan to stop at the Capitol to pick up a proclamation from Gov. Kenny Guinn, then move on to Fuji Park to set up camp for the weekend.

They are scheduled to reach their final destination, Sacramento, on Sept. 3. They plan to stay there through Labor Day weekend.

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