Fandango Massacre...

[pegleglooker]

Hey Gang,
I found a very interesting story from Modoc County about a pass originally named the Lassen Pass ( up until 1856 ).

But after reading the story I am amazed that it's not called Massacre Pass. It seems 2 people ( Jesse Applegate -1846- and Peter Lassen -1848- ) were diverting emigrant's from the California Trail into Oregon and Northern California. This was a EXTREMELY tough hill to climb. And I quote:
" The pull up Fandango Pass was mediocre for a couple of miles and hell for one more. Oxen were, double, triple teamed. Women chocked the wheels just before oxen slid backwards in utter fatigue. Possessions were thrown aside as children and elders pulled on the ropes which edged the wagons up the steepest quarter mile. Oxen and men died together on this grade. "
( Desert Magazine Aug-1976 )

There's talk about having constant trouble with the local tribes and sometimes finding " Bloodied muskets and knives, fouled personal belongings and, of course bodies. " This is a place I would think one would want to detect.. If it's not State land ( like always ).

The article goes on to say that Fort Bidwell was established in 1866 and was closed in 1893 and the RR came along in 1908. I was wondering if anyone has looked at this site or do we have any locals that may know more ?? How about you TT ?? Is this in your neck of the woods ??

PLL

[tapoutking]

Anymore info on this? I am intrugued...

[Mackaydon]

Tapoutking: Google "Fandango Pass" and "Fandago Pass Massacre" for more information; fascinating reading.
Thanks PLL for bringing up another interesting subject and place to investigate.
Don....

[pegleglooker]

Hey Gang,
This story was written for one of my favorite members ( Treasure Tales ) TT.... She lives in the area and I think knew a bit more.... It's sad that she 's not here anymore..... I miss her " humor " ....LOL!!!!!

PLL

[Hemisteve]

Yeah PLL I miss her also. We had some great chats about N. Nevada and Calif. and had hoped to pop a few beers together the last time she camped in Cedarville. I still keep a lookout for her little trailer when I am up north.

I traveled through Ft. Bidwell back in 03 but didn't stop. Blew a sidewall on Barrel Springs Rd. coming from Vya, NV. and didn't trust my spare so a trip to the tire shop in Alturas was a priority.

There is a mountain full of Obsidian up Davis Creek Rd. off 395. We picked up a couple of 5 Gal. buckets of rainbow in that area. Turn left on Lassen Creek Rd. and take a nice drive through the Warner Mtns. Lots of good camping spots along Lassen creek. Eventually it will intersect Fandango Pass Rd. on the west end of the pass.

On the topic of Lassen, do a search for the "Applegate Trail" that Lassen and Applegate created for the westward travelers on their way to the gold fields of Calif. I have traveled about 50% of it and have Fandango Pass on my list of spots to get to. Lassen's grave is located along the Applegate trail in the north end of the Black Rock Desert. DO NOT TRAVEL THERE UN-PREPARED! Extremely hostile country and help could be days away.

Thanks for the post PLL
I am overdue for a road trip up north.
Steve