NOTES: [45] Humboldt Wells has been around for a long time and it is no less hard to find than in past years. The directions provided by the SHPO for this marker are extremely vague: "Along Interstate 80 at the Union Pacific Railroad overpass in Wells". This might prove to be helpful if there wasn't three railroad overpasses in Wells! You won't see this one from the interstate. Like many of the older numbers along I-80, I threw these directions in the trash and instead followed the path of US 40 ...
-- Leave Interstate 80 at Exit 351 ("West Wells") and make a left toward Wells from the off-ramp. After a mile you will come across this intersection ...
The corner of 6th Street (Old US 40) and SR 231.
|
This is old US 40 - Nevada’s original lifeline across the state. Here, the old highway (US 40) takes the form of "6th Street" through downtown Wells. Instead of turning right into town, make a left turn (west) as if you were to head back out of town. This old blacktop follows a route over an old railroad overpass before reaching the marker a half-mile outside of town.
The easy way ...
Here's an even easier way to reach old [45]! Leave Interstate 80 at Exit 348, "Beverly Hills" - one exit before the "West Wells" off-ramp. (No this is not THE Beverly Hills, but rather for Beverly Hills RV Park.) Make a right turn onto the frontage road (US 40) and head straight in the direction of Wells. As you approach the Wells Indian Colony, the marker will be on your left. Don't be surprised if you pass it right by. [45] is hidden enough from the road that you probably won't see it until you come right up on its location! Just cruise through here going 30MPH and you'll be fine.
Notice the old-style jersey barriers used by NDOT. One thing is certain: you can't beat with the view!
|
Full Description:
Exact description as reads ...
These springs, seen as marsh spots and small ponds of water in the meadows here, are the Humboldt Wells, a historic oasis on the California Emigrant Trail. Here, during the period 1845-1870, hundreds of covered wagons each year rested and refitted from their arduous journeys up Raft River, past the City of Rocks, across the Goose Creek Range and down Thousand Springs Valley, and prepared for the grueling 300-mile trek along the Humboldt Valley. Ruts of the old emigrant trail winding down to the springs may yet be seen on the slopes above them and to the northwest.
The City of Wells, first established as the water stop of Humboldt Wells on the Central Pacific Railroad in September, 1869, is named for these springs. Its name was shortened to Wells in 1873.
A beautiful view of Greys Peak, which can be seen for fifty miles in any direction. In the f.g. is the Wells Indian Colony.
|
Despite its fair share of weathering, the marker stands in pretty good shape.
|