Wagon train reaches Sierra

The Gold Rush Wagon Train, one of several commemorating the anniversary, plans to cross into California on Tuesday after camping in Genoa. The next camp, until Thursday morning, is in Woodfords, Calif.

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

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 to 40 people traveling 20-25 miles a day on country and back roads, state and U.S. highways.

"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.

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.

The wagon train is scheduled to reach its final destination, Sacramento, on Sept. 3.

archive