Join local historian Terry McAteer for a unique walking tour of the Transcontinental Railroad Tunnels constructed in 1867. The Department of the Interior proclaimed last December that the site is now listed as a National Monument— the second such designation for Nevada County.
The tour will start at 10 am this Saturday, August 23rd from the dirt parking lot across the street from Donner Ski Ranch located at 19320 Donner Pass Road.
The tour will describe the process of the Chinese workers who blasted and mucked the 16 tunnels in order for the completion of the railroad which opened the West. “This work was the most dangerous, complicated and back breaking of the entire construction of the Transcontinental Railroad,” said McAteer, the retired Nevada County Superintendent of Schools. “It is an amazing site since no power tools were used to construct the tunnels,” said McAteer.
On the tour which is relatively flat, participants will walk through the 300 yard tunnel (flashlights needed), view the 1849 covered wagon gold field route, the Lincoln Highway and the amazing workmanship of the Chinese Wall constructed with no mortar.
All ages are welcome. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water. The total length of the historic walk will be around one mile and will conclude by 11:30 am. Donner Ski Ranch is open for lunch service following the walk. Questions may be directed to Terry McAteer at: termcateer@gmail.com