Humboldt Wells
Wells, Elko County, Nevada
Marker Inscription
Humboldt Wells. These springs, seen as marshy spots and small ponds of water in the meadows, are Humboldt Wells, a historic oasis on the California Emigrant Trail. Between 1845 and 1869, hundreds of covered wagon trains camped here, refitted from their arduous journeys and prepared for the grueling 300 mile trek west along the Humboldt Valley. Ruts of the oldEmigrant Trail winding down to the springs can still be seen on the slopes above them and to the northwest.In 1869, the Central Pacific Railroad established a station named Humboldt Wells for the springs located west of the station. In 1873, the Elko County Commission changed the name from Humboldt Wells to Wells.
Erected by Northeastern Nevada Historical Society
The Story
These marshy springs in the meadows were Humboldt Wells, a vital oasis on the California Emigrant Trail. Between 1845 and 1869, hundreds of covered-wagon trains halted here to rest and refit before the grueling 300-mile push down the Humboldt Valley. Deep ruts worn by their passage can still be traced on the surrounding slopes. When the Central Pacific Railroad built a station in 1869, it borrowed the springs' name, later shortened to Wells.
Why it matters
Humboldt Wells marks one of the desert waypoints that made the overland journey to California survivable, a link in the chain of springs that carried a nation westward.
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Related events
- · California Emigrant Trail
Themes & tags
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