Senator Dean Heller

The California Trail Interpretive Center is now complete.

During the last week of December, the Center installed its final exhibit that interprets the California Gold Rush and its impact to U.S. and world history.

“The California Gold Rush sparked an international migration, and resulted in the birth of Sacramento and the new state of California,” said Park Ranger Alex Rose. “The exhibit includes hands on activities for children. Kids will have the opportunity to learn what a bag of gold could purchase in 1849, and will be able to build their own small log cabins.”

The interactive exhibit includes a passport stamping station at Sutter’s Fort, and highlights shipping routes that were used during the Gold Rush, as thousands of emigrants from throughout the world hurried to California.

The California Gold Rush catapulted the growth of California. In 1846, there were approximately 7,600 Euro-American settlers living in California. By 1852, the number grew to 225,000.

For more information about the California Trail Interpretive Center call (775) 738-1849. Visit the Trail Center online at www.californiatrailcenter.org, or on Facebook, California Trail Interpretive Center Association.

The California Trail Interpretive Center is located eight miles west of Elko on I-80, Hunter exit 292. The Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.