The History of Truckee: A Journey Through Time

Situated in the shadows of Donner Pass along the Truckee River at 5,817 feet in elevation, the town of Truckee, California is steeped in frontier history. But before emigrants, pioneers and the arrival of the ill-fated Donner Party, Truckee was the summer home of the Washoe, Maidu and Paiute Indian Tribes. 

Old Winnemucca, ‘Chief Truckee’

The Truckee name comes from a Paiute Indian guide who helped thousands of emigrants in the 1840’s and 1850’s across the barren Great Basin of Nevada. The guide would often shout, “Tro-kay!”, meaning “everything is alright.” The emigrants assumed Tro-kay was the Paiute guide’s name, and after a few years of their new railroad outpost being called Gray’s Station and Coburn Station, residents changed the name to Truckee in honor of the Paiute who helped so many emigrants along the perilous journey west.

The Birth of a Town

The arrival of Euro-American settlers in the mid-19th century marked a turning point for the region. In 1844, John C. Frémont and his party traveled through the area, bringing attention to its potential. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 led to an influx of miners seeking their fortunes, and the need for a reliable transportation route became apparent.

Truckee grew as a rather rough and rowdy railroad town due in part to the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad over Donner Pass, holding a grim duality of being a historic feat of engineering while claiming the lives of nearly 1,200 Chinese laborers. 

Donner Pass Train Snow Sheds

In 1846, the Donner Party, consisting of 89 men, women and children followed a branch of the Emigrant trail known as the California Trail to the Truckee area in order to attempt a crossing of Donner Pass. They arrived in late October but the heavy snows had already begun, making it impossible to continue - their story is legendary.

In 1850, the California Legislature designated the area as the site for a new town, initially named “Hitchcock” after the land’s owner, but it was soon renamed Truckee. The town was officially founded in 1864, with the establishment of the Central Pacific Railroad, which helped facilitate the movement of people and goods.

The Gold Rush Era

Truckee played a crucial role during the Gold Rush, serving as a critical supply stop for prospectors heading to the mines. As the population swelled, so did the need for services and infrastructure. Saloons, hotels, and general stores sprang up, catering to the needs of the miners and travelers.

By the late 1800s, Truckee had developed into a vibrant community with a diverse population. The town became a hub for lumber, agriculture, and tourism, establishing a legacy that would shape its future. We think our Tree Ring tees and hoodies are a fun homage to this. 

The building that the California 89 store is now in was built by Jack Wohlert in 1928 after a fire destroyed the Donner Garage. It was once a post office and later, Tahoe National Bank. It was then converted into retail space and was a beloved Train store and Candle shop before California 89 was established in 2012. The upstairs portion has been remodeled into an airbnb that is now available for rent.  

The building that the CA89 Home store is now was the location of the “First and Last Chance Saloon” operated by John Mazza from1890 to 1898.  It was given that name because it was the last saloon at the west end of town, but the first saloon you came to if you were headed east. Former tenants included “Cat’s Corner” and "Offshore Outlet”. This building was once Truckee's original telephone office. Constructed in 1907, the telephone operators and employees often lived in the apartments upstairs which were managed by Art Leitch & Charles Cazzalio.

The Railroad and Economic Growth

The completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 further solidified Truckee’s significance. The town became a vital shipping point for lumber and goods, which spurred economic growth and attracted new residents. With the introduction of passenger trains, Truckee also emerged as a popular destination for tourists seeking the beauty of the Sierra Nevada.

Truckee is notorious for being one of the snowiest towns in America and as a result, by 1915, Truckee became a winter sport haven, complete with a huge ice palace for ice-skating and dancing, a toboggan slide and ski jump. 

The Truckee Ski Club was founded and its members participated in many competitions. Special excursion trains brought thousands of visitors to the area to enjoy the fresh air and to frolic in the snow. The movie industry brought crews to the area to film winter scenes. Famous movie actors became a familiar site on the streets of Truckee. One of the first lift serviced ski hills in the nation was also built just to the south of downtown Truckee, known as Hilltop Lodge. 

Snowy Truckee 1952

After the 1920s, Truckee began a 40-year period of little growth and development, particularly during and after World War ll. Finally, in 1960, the Winter Olympic games were held ten miles to the south at Squaw Valley, putting the Truckee-Tahoe area on the map as a major destination resort for year-round recreation. Today, tourism has become the area’s lead industry, but as the town continues to grow, it is also diversifying.

Modern Truckee

Today, Truckee is known for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor activities, and a thriving arts and culture scene. The town has embraced its history while adapting to modern times, blending its rich heritage with contemporary living.

The journey of Truckee is a testament to the spirit of its people and the beauty of its surroundings. From its early Native American roots to its bustling Gold Rush days and modern-day charm, Truckee continues to captivate all who visit. As you explore this remarkable town, take a moment to reflect on the rich tapestry of history that has shaped Truckee into the unique destination it is today. We’ve also put together a guide to The Perfect Day in Truckee!

Whether you’re hiking the stunning trails, skiing the amazing mountains, boating in the beautiful waters, shopping in the unique stores downtown or simply soaking in the scenery, you’re participating in a story that has been unfolding for centuries. Embrace the past and enjoy the present in this enchanting mountain town. There are plenty more historic destinations all along California 89. Looking for an awesome place to stay in historic downtown Truckee? We have a great Airbnb right above the store - check it out!