Hudspeth's Cutoff

This shortcut to the California goldfields, followed by most of the 49'ers, came out of the hills to the east and joined the old California Trail near this point. Opened by "Messrs. Hudspeth & Myers, of the Jackson County, Missouri, Company," who reached here on July 24, 1849, the route was mistakenly believed to save nearly a hundred miles compared with the older way along the Snake River to the north. From here, the 49'ers headed southwest toward California and the hope of golden riches.

Idaho · United States