California Trail

Historical marker location:

Wayne, Oklahoma

( Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 59 and U.S. 77, on the right when traveling west on State Highway 59.)

Marker installed: 1949

Caravans of gold seekers in the rush for California traveled this trail in spring 1849 under a military escort commanded by Captain R. B. Marcy. The route lay west from Fort Smith on the south side of the Arkansas and Canadian rivers across Oklahoma. The campground and spring, 3 miles west, was well known on this famous trail.

Oklahoma was the birthplace of many famous people, including Will Rogers, a humorist and actor; Brad Pitt, a famous Hollywood actor; and Reba McEntire, a country music singer and actress.