Historical Markers of Elko County
Location: Eastern Elko County, Wells Directions: Along (6th Street) Old US 40, west of Wells (Access via Exit 348 or 351 from I-80)
N41° 07' 04.1" W114° 58' 41.4"
Date Conquered: 5/13/08 Nearest intersection: Angel Lake Rd (SR 231) Quick Description: A marker noting a desert oasis for California bound emigrants, later becoming a water stop along the C.P. Railroad. Signed: No -- Although originally signed, no signs exist today. NOTES: This marker has been around for a long time, and it is no less hard to find than in its past years. Leave Interstate 80 at Exit 351 ("West Wells") and make a left toward Wells from the off-ramp. The directions provided by the SHPO for this marker are not only obnoxious, but extremely vague: "Along Interstate 80 at the Union Pacific Railroad overpass in Wells". Aside from having three railroad overpasses in Wells, the bottom line is that you won't see this marker anywhere from the interstate. Like a few other markers in Nevada, I could not have found this one without another hunch. I followed the pattern of the many other older-numbered markers erected along US 40. After exiting the interstate, I decided to venture away from town following the path of the old highway. In this case, the old highway took the form of "6th Street," Wells' "Main Street." (For those of you who have been paying attention, every "Main Street" along "Interstate 80" follows the path of old US 40.) By doing so, I came upon this interesection ... The corner of 6th (Old US 40) and SR 231. Upon reaching Sixth Street, make a left turn as if you were to head back out of town. This is old US 40 - Nevada’s original lifeline across the state and the only way you will find old marker 45. This old blacktop follows a route over an old railroad overpass before reaching the marker some ˝ mile outside of town. The easy way ... You can reach old marker 45 an easier way by leaving Interstate 80 earlier at Exit 348, "Beverly Hills". (No, this is not THE Beverly Hills, but rather for Beverly Hills RV Park.) Make a right turn onto the frontage road (which happens to be old US 40) and head straight in the direction of Wells. As you approach the Wells Indian Colony, the marker will be on your left, but be warned: don't be surprised if you pass it. #45 is completely hidden from view, 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 in the early 60's. You can't argue 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.
NOTES: This marker has been around for a long time, and it is no less hard to find than in its past years. Leave Interstate 80 at Exit 351 ("West Wells") and make a left toward Wells from the off-ramp. The directions provided by the SHPO for this marker are not only obnoxious, but extremely vague: "Along Interstate 80 at the Union Pacific Railroad overpass in Wells". Aside from having three railroad overpasses in Wells, the bottom line is that you won't see this marker anywhere from the interstate. Like a few other markers in Nevada, I could not have found this one without another hunch. I followed the pattern of the many other older-numbered markers erected along US 40. After exiting the interstate, I decided to venture away from town following the path of the old highway. In this case, the old highway took the form of "6th Street," Wells' "Main Street." (For those of you who have been paying attention, every "Main Street" along "Interstate 80" follows the path of old US 40.) By doing so, I came upon this interesection ... The corner of 6th (Old US 40) and SR 231. Upon reaching Sixth Street, make a left turn as if you were to head back out of town. This is old US 40 - Nevada’s original lifeline across the state and the only way you will find old marker 45. This old blacktop follows a route over an old railroad overpass before reaching the marker some ˝ mile outside of town. The easy way ... You can reach old marker 45 an easier way by leaving Interstate 80 earlier at Exit 348, "Beverly Hills". (No, this is not THE Beverly Hills, but rather for Beverly Hills RV Park.) Make a right turn onto the frontage road (which happens to be old US 40) and head straight in the direction of Wells. As you approach the Wells Indian Colony, the marker will be on your left, but be warned: don't be surprised if you pass it. #45 is completely hidden from view, 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 in the early 60's. You can't argue 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.
Upon reaching Sixth Street, make a left turn as if you were to head back out of town. This is old US 40 - Nevada’s original lifeline across the state and the only way you will find old marker 45. This old blacktop follows a route over an old railroad overpass before reaching the marker some ˝ mile outside of town.
The easy way ... You can reach old marker 45 an easier way by leaving Interstate 80 earlier at Exit 348, "Beverly Hills". (No, this is not THE Beverly Hills, but rather for Beverly Hills RV Park.) Make a right turn onto the frontage road (which happens to be old US 40) and head straight in the direction of Wells. As you approach the Wells Indian Colony, the marker will be on your left, but be warned: don't be surprised if you pass it. #45 is completely hidden from view, until you come right up on its location! Just cruise through here going 30MPH and you'll be fine.
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.
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.
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.
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