Mistaken Identity of 1850 Maiden's Grave

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Sometimes I get annoyed if a paved highway is a bit rough. I'll try to remember this video and the immigrant trails the next time I complain about pot holes :-) It's so easy to take for granted how easy we have it these days, in just about every way. So glad I wasn't a pioneer :-) Awesome finds, Jeff!

[@jbenziggy]

Definitely, Steve! This country was made on the backbones of these strong and brave people. When I see what's going on in this country I wish we could give this current generation some perspective by making them live a hard life. Then they would appreciate what we have in this country. Thanks for watching! Praying for your mama.

[@joemackey1950]

I remind people who have flown in air buses who complain about the "rigors" of air travel how the pioneers traveled months, not just a few hours. For some reason they don't like that remark. :)

[@alexandroshellas8524]

Im learning more local california history on here than in school! Thank you!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad to hear it! That's an observation we appreciate you voicing! Thanks you!

[@TheFinnMcGovern]

A new video, excellent. I like the ones that just get right to the subject and are narrated by you. Thanks for the history lessons.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!

[@scottw4603]

Should start a spin-off series called History Hunter's Lessons

[@KowboyUSA]

The Sierra Nevada mountains have so many really cool spots and historic locations. Whenever I'm there, or anywhere like it - such as where I'm living now - it leaves me flabbergasted how anyone could pull wagons over such extreme terrain. That photo of the wagons being roped down the cliff is a real gem. One of your best videos yet. Nice work!

[@davidjennings5865]

Glad someone publicly straightened this issue out. As a long time 'rut nut' and researcher of the Gold Rush, I spent many years exploring & marking the old Carson River Route across Nevada and California. At 11:22, you are correct about the trail's route. If you were to go up there a ways, you would encounter some Native American grinding rocks alongside the old road. The old trail over West Pass from Caples Lake to Tragedy Spring would make a great video for you and your wife. Thanks again for what you do.

[@melindagordonbeck8958]

Thank you so much for what you’re doing. We love California history and traveled to many of the same places. We miss our California home. Keep up the awesome job! We’ve loved every episode!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much! And you are welcome! We love doing these shows for our expanding audience. And it's rewarding knowing how you are enjoying every episode! Your message was much appreciated, Melinda!

[@marygossage9191]

I love all the history you find and share with us. Hope you continue for a long time. Sarah is funny without trying to be. Love her.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much! I'll let Sarah know what you said. Thanks!

[@HistoryHunterSarah]

You are sweet, thank you! ~Sarah

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

Incredible scenery Great history even if a bit sad glad to see you back filming Hope you both and family all safe Thankyou for another amazing video xx

[@JamesCrane]

Thank you for making this episode! There is so much history to be discovered in the Sierra along the immigrant trails. One visiting today usually finds a beautiful blue sky, a warm summer breeze and an easy traverse via the smooth modern highway, but back in the middle of the 19th century, it was a much different experience. Those immigrants were tough as nails!

[@jbenziggy]

Yes, James, we have no idea how tough it was. Bad roads, no water for miles, kill your own food, possible animal and Indian attacks, no medical facilities if you hurt yourself, no comforts, long, hot days of endless travel! No wonder many of them lived short lives! Thank you very much for watching and commenting! Jeff & Sarah

[@foxmulder4269]

Yes, Jeff, always fascinating...I have to stop myself and quit..or I will keep watching and re-watching. What you do is not in vain. Truth--in all its various forms, is priceless. Thank you so much.

[@melissastruxness512]

These videos are great! I love the fact that you are proud if our history. Seems like we are lacking that lately. Been watching all past videos every evening. Glad there are so many!

[@jbenziggy]

More to come! And yes, we love history and are repulsed by any groups trying to remove it in the public square!

[@McAndrewTravels]

Great info as always Jeff and Sarah! Never heard of having to take the wagons apart and drop them down in that matter. Very interesting.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you! Yeah I'm afraid I would probably be dead by my age (58) had I lived in those times! Thanks! You two take care! I look forward to seeing more of your videos!

[@tangie777uk]

Fascinating history of these pioneer's. We really don't know anything about hardship today compared to what they suffered making their journeys and also the poor animal's that suffered .Thank you Jeff and Sarah for a beautiful video.

[@haroldnelson3734]

Great job with this video! As all your videos are, this also is done in a very thoughtful and respectful way. It's these kinds of true, historical stories really give us pause for thought on the amount of blood, sweat, and tears given by those who came before us. Very nicely done.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you Harold! I appreciate your words and for remembering these stout men and women who blazed the trail for themselves and their families and for us!!!

[@aryand.8541]

This is the first time that I have watched this youtube channel. After watching this video, I instantly subscribed. Keep up the great work!

[@jbenziggy]

Welcome aboard! We love knowing you like it!

[@vantripper]

Thanks - I always like to learn more about California history.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it! More is in the works!

[@tandemriders6791]

Jeff you have done it again, brought us all an awesome historical video. Your knowledge and research talent of historical sites is what all of us who enjoy history and learning from it enjoy. Thank You Jeff and be safe. Ron and Cindra

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much, Ron and Cindra, for appreciating our videos and learning from them! Part of the fun, besides making them, is knowing they have an audience who appreciates them and learns something new! Heck, I learn so much just prepping for them myself! Much appreciated, friends. Jeff & Sarah

[@dwightminnich2722]

I love searching the woods for traces of events that happened in the past. It is how I go back in time. Your video makes me realize I could not have made the journey these people did. Your family and all your worldly belongings in your wagon, not knowing if you will even make any progress by the end of the day, not knowing if you or you family will live to see the end of the week. I just can't imagine the determination needed to go through what they did. Thanks for another great video.

[@nadiazahroon6573]

I love California history. Thank you Jeff and Sarah.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much Nadia!

[@nadiazahroon6573]

My pleasure.

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

Thank you Jeff, I always hit the like button before I watch, because I know I will enjoy No smooth trails back then, easy to forget. Central California watching

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, that’s a great complement. I thank you very much for watching and enjoying what we produce.

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

@@jbenziggy This has got me thinking of my Grand father who road his motorcycle out here in the early 1900s

[@jeffwesson8798]

I went down 88 last weekend. I saw Tradgedy Springs Road and giggled. I guess I should've went down it. You guys inspire me to get out there!!

[@royston8044]

Very interesting video, love these stories from the past. Thanks Jeff & Sarah.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hankfacer7098]

Not enough gratitude is shown to our & your wonderful pioneers & trail blazers. Great video, another lesson in American History. Hank Australia.

[@jbenziggy]

You are so right! Thanks very much for appreciating the video work we do! Jeff & Sarah

[@guystclair805]

I'm glad you did this video, Thank you! So interesting Right!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tyn.8934]

Another great video! It's sad how things can get misinterpreted and lead people to believe things that weren't necessarily true. Glad to see it was resolved!

[@johnnyjesus8]

Great video Jeff as usual. The things and obstacles that was in their way as they traveled to California was unbelievable we take so much for granted these days we complain about the smallest thing I can only imagine what those people went through. Thanks Jeff you educated me so much looking at your videos.

[@jbenziggy]

I’m happy to learn that you are learning from my videos. Those early day pioneers sure did have it rough. We should all be thankful for them for blazing the trail.

[@fountainbiker]

Great coverage as usual Jeff, thanks!

[@carlosherrera7934]

bro im sitting here watching this video n i look up at the tv and there u are!!!!!!!! pawn stars !!! at first i was like i know that guy from somewhere... thats crazy... shout out from modesto ca....enjoyed you video from the local cemetary.

[@jbenziggy]

That’s funny! You recognized me from Pawn Stars? It’s been a while since I’ve been on but I suppose the re-runs are still happening! Please subscribe to our channel Thank you very much!

[@chrisbutler176]

Another quality video !!!! Thank you Jeff 👍👍

[@christine2220]

I absolutely love the detail you give in your videos...Great work.. Thanks.

[@jbenziggy]

I’m honored! Thanks so much for letting us know!!!

[@reginamay2767]

Hi Jeff and Sarah this is awesome I enjoy this video the narration is awesome too it's really hard to understand how the people back in those days did travel over that rough terrain so bumpy and Hilly but you did a great narration and I enjoyed it. God bless. ❤️💯👍🙋

[@DiniAdd0807]

Thanks for this fascinating episode. Those pioneers were a hardy lot even though some didn’t make it.

[@richwhite4331]

Thanks Jeff, Another very well done video!! There is so many tragic events that happened to those Brave folks to made that journey from the east.

[@jbenziggy]

I offer you my thanks for such a nice comment! Thank you for watching History Hunter! Jeff and Sarah

[@161papa]

Another interesting history lesson, thank you.

[@philcox3671]

Great video keep them coming 👍👌

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks, will do!

[@vargasfamily282]

Will power is amazing. Thank you for this video! You’re feeding my imagination, as if we’re in a time machine. Our ancestors will come to mind on the next road trip.

[@danielhoffman7576]

Ben, I love your history videos! I'm so into trying to find & follow some of the old histories, of our country, And what you do brings so much to light! that I had no idea of! I'm in SW Florida, Down here they mow down & cover over all of our HISTORY! It sucks!! so I have to go to other states to fallow history ???? And try to find things! Please keep your videos coming!!

[@HistoryHunterSarah]

Who is Ben?

[@terrydevries914]

Pretty interesting stuff. I’m glad u told the story. I lived for a time in Pioneer, off of 88, and poked around in all the history in the area. I’ve been binge watching your videos, as I’m a long time follower of local history. I’ve lived off and on in Modesto for years, so also enjoy your videos of local history.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much Terry! I appreciate you letting me know!

[@leahreposa4599]

This was a great episode, hubby and I will be heading out to see this soon!

[@jbenziggy]

Wonderful. Sounds like a neat trip. What part of California are you aiming for?

[@TheHavrelandtExperiment]

I see that Maiden's Grave historical marker all the time and I've often wondered about it. I too have become interested in the California trails as I've gotten a little older. I often travel interstate 80 to Wyoming and 88 over into Nevada and I read a few books about the Donner Party, but I need to find a good book about the trail over 88.

[@stevelehel3625]

I understand one of the satellite training posts of the marker shown was the west side of Silver Lake, just a few miles away. Been stopping there since the 60's to see the grave next to HW88. Enjoyed your presentation, much thanks.

[@thesolidsnakealpha]

Another fascinating history lesson. Thank you,take care and God bless 🙏

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Love your comment! God bless you, too!

[@arnoldprewitt7914]

As usual enjoyed this very much. I could watch these all day. Thank you for the history lesson.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad to hear it! That's very nice of you to compliment us that way! More is being worked on!

[@mikelewis4273]

Love these videos, and the history you give us, keep it going, I am in UK, and love the history, and makes me want to come and visit some of the historical sites you visit

[@jbenziggy]

That's wonderful! Thank you! You would love visiting America!

[@patheagerty4762]

I enjoy history hunters the history of Calif hopefully be more ! Pat

[@jeremyfry513]

I live in Kansas and I have never been to California, I'm a history buff and I enjoy learning about the history of california, I would love to go back to the old West.

[@sunhikermutt6797]

Agreed, history is fascinating. So happy to find your channel ☺

[@jbenziggy]

Welcome! Glad you found us!

[@cwb0051]

I Loved This, Was Always Interested in the many Imigrants who had a rough journey to California, What they had to go through etc...Thank you for posting, should do more of them...Stay Safe..

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for sharing! We are safe! You stay safe too!

[@courtneyhall7140]

another great historical video, very close to where i was born,great video jeff and sarah.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Whereabouts were you born?

[@courtneyhall7140]

@@jbenziggy placerville,el dorado county.

[@musiknbooks]

Amazing......cannot begin to imagine the life of those early explorers..........

[@Andie8259]

Yet another interesting video/story. Sure enjoy the many lessons and interesting things learned on your channel! Thank you. Have you ever been to the cemetery in Dublin? Small but a few local historical figures.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you. Now you have me curious about Dublin. I’ll have to see what’s there. Thank you for watching.

[@jerrymestas1231]

Great great story!!!!!!!! Thank you👍🏼

[@timberk5]

Very interesting

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Tim! We appreciate it!

[@robroiboi]

Just one fascinating example from thousands of untold and often forgotten stories from California's past.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Uncle Roy! I'm glad I can count on you to watch and comment and appreciate it all!

[@robroiboi]

@@jbenziggy It is I who should thank you for your great "history lessons".

[@craigb9489]

Very interesting and informative, thank you for your video.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Nice of you to tell us! Jeff & Sarah

[@melissajensen3166]

Great video. The history of the Immigrant trail is so fascinating. I couldn’t imagine trying that route. For the most part, very hardy people.

[@moonlightari7621]

Another interesting episode. Found your channel by chance. Keep up the good work!!

[@jbenziggy]

Welcome aboard! Glad you like our work!

[@walterprice751]

It's a travesty that your views aren't higher. Thanks for the content!

[@jbenziggy]

We’re getting there! Slowly but surely!

[@walterprice751]

@@jbenziggy wishing you much success. My kids and I love roadside history.

[@mikeblair7614]

Thanks for the history.

[@jbenziggy]

You are welcome and thank you for watching.

[@RhettyforHistory]

I can't imagine traveling that rugged terrain back then. Weare really spoiled with our modern roads.

[@jbenziggy]

Yeah, Rhetty, it's no wonder so many of them died as they made their way out west. And why they died so young! Life was hard. If you got sick, you suffered and maybe died without so much as a doctor. Poor George Donner had an accident with a wagon and when he tried to make a new axle he cut his hand and it turned gangrene. He was helpless when he reached the camp where they were snowed in. Poor folks. You have to feel for their tragedies.

[@danpatch4751]

Hi Rhetty

[@roydavies260]

Thanks for the video. The Emigrants must have a tough lot. Best wishes

[@caroleannseaton9178]

Hello Sarah. I miss seeing you and hearing your comments. Please be here more often. Jeff, this is a great story and film and as always you told it perfectly. There is too much time between films. How about once a week?

[@jbenziggy]

We have been doing one video every Sunday but missed last Sunday because we had to go out and video some more shows. LOL. I’ll let Sarah know of your desire to see more of her!

[@caroleannseaton9178]

Hmmm, maybe I am missing them. I will look at your page.

[@jupite1888]

Great Stories and Great History even from someone from Australia. Excellent

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@murraywagnon1841]

There is another emigrant grave on the back side of the Kirkwood Meadows Ski Area above Caple's Lake. It is marked, and I came upon it next to a dirt access road while I was doing some work for the ski resort on one of the remote ski lifts near Emigrant Creek.

[@lisad476]

Fantastic! Loved it.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much for letting us know! Jeff & Sarah

[@dorotheawalker7985]

I just love your channel ❤️❤️😍

[@jbenziggy]

Wow! That’s very nice to hear! Thank you very much! Makes us happy!

[@lorenjackson6729]

I just assumed all emigrants followed the same trail as the Donner Party and others which follows present day I-80 so I learned something today. The story about the old woman looking for her daughters grave was sad and unfortunately too common back in those days.

[@jbenziggy]

There were lots of different trails tried out. It must have been nail-biting at times. I will never take our mountain roads for granted again! Thank you for devoting your valuable time to watching!!!

[@HollywoodGraham]

The hardships of the immigrants is far more than we can even imagine. Thanks for the history lesson.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much!

[@richardyoung4616]

As usual top quality.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you think so! We love your comment! Thanks!

[@ohmeowzer1]

Thank you 🙏

[@jbenziggy]

You’re welcome 😊

[@joekeiser6221]

Great video thanks again. Hard too imagine the great hardships our pioneers faced. Imagine burying your daughter alongside a dirt trail. Can't think of anything more painful. God bless their courage and determination we owe them so much.

[@jbenziggy]

Well said! It would be tough losing a child anywhere but then to leave and wonder if you'll ever return is an extra bitter thought. Thanks for joining us in remembering those who blazed the trail before us!

[@markgeyer3591]

Great Video!, Very interesting, Amazing how they got to California,..Tuff Folks

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, they were resilient people to be sure!

[@bradkay9538]

Love what your doing. Interesting!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks Brad! We’re having fun doing it too!

[@gregboyden564]

I follow all of your interesting stories of history, To me, the personal stories of men and women who have gone before us, would be lost if not for your diligent research. Thank you

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate those words! Thank you very much! I’m happy I have people like you who appreciate the stories of long ago!

[@willbornmann395]

Love the story love the history .Had a question for you have you ever done a story on the Maddox brothers and sister?

[@jbenziggy]

I have not. But I own a vintage photo of them signed by Rose!

[@stabbincabbincowbboy3770]

Good Stuff... Blows my Mind How Those Travelers Did it Back Then...👍🏻🤠🇺🇸

[@jbenziggy]

You are very astute! They were magnificent people! Thank you!

[@johngerry3256]

Oh, how I have missed you!!!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much. We had to skip last week on account of a new trip we had to take to shoot more video. LOL. I’m glad we have such devoted followers who enjoy the same things that we do. More is in the works.

[@rubycollins3492]

This is so interesting Thank you

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!!!

[@donaldscott7279]

Well said sir

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much, Donald! We appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@randysalles2292]

Love it!!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you love it!

[@giantbryan7896]

I found the immigrate trail marker by Beale Air Force base near Wheatland. I took a picture and although I know a lot about California history, I didn’t know what it meant. Since Marysville is nearby, I assumed it was something to do with Mary Murphy Covillaud, (Donner party survivor)

[@haroldtakahashi8875]

i don't recall all the details (i think it was from a historical pamphlet at the carson pass kiosk), but in the area, there is a peak and monument named for mellisa coray...a member of one of the emigrant groups...it's on a ridge between emigrant lake and fourth of july lake...

[@jbenziggy]

Interesting. I have not heard about that.

[@ronniebishop8681]

Nice video

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much.

[@johnshilling9988]

You may be familiar with this book, "Sierra Crossings, First Roads to California" buy Thomas Fredrick Howard. It was a surprise to learn that the first ethnology-European crossing was from West to East. I really l really enjoyed this episode.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you for watching and commenting! You might be surprised to know I have never heard of that book.

[@alanatolstad4824]

I've often thought of developers finding the graves of all those buried along the trail. How long before someone found one. Sad.

[@jerrysullivan8424]

Why do you get to have all of the fun? :) LOL! I am stuck here is Kansas.

[@jbenziggy]

Take a trip out to California. Lots have opened up now! Last week we stayed in Tahoe!

[@jerrysullivan8424]

@@jbenziggy In mid-Feb of 2020 we took Amtrack from Kansas City Mo. to Kingman Az. then a contractor van took us from there to Las Vegas, We went to visit my wife's 90-year-old aunt who gave us her car, she is no longer driving. Our daughter went with us. All 3 of us decided that the only way to travel west again is by train. My wife and I had planned on taking a train to LA then up the coast, over to Chicago, and back to KC. but then the shutdown hit. :( Do you have any railroad programs, or do you report on them? I know that there are a few other folks who do history like you who take us on train rides with them. I have many family members who live in Southern Ca. So it will be a good idea to come out west for a trip when this shut down is over. but, we will do it by train and rent a car if need to. Thank you for your videos of CA, and Nevada, I would live out your way if the cost of living was not so high. I miss the ocean. We are retired, the cost of living in Kansas is way lower than where you are. So people like you who do a really good job filming places where we cannot get to makes me feel as I am there with you. You film things that makes me feel that I am there looking out of my car windows. you do that good of a job. and I thank you for that. Hopefully, you get to film a trip on Amtrack. You can catch a few of those trips on You-Tube on other channels. Have a blessed day.

[@jodysappington7008]

very sad but interesting video

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for watching!

[@jimbullard441]

Interesting story

[@RPGNook]

hey there, there is a small island called Treasure Island on Silver Lake north of tragedy springs, i can't find any information on how it got that name. Do you have any clues? Really enjoy your videos, i've been researching the old west for several years now.

[@jeffdavis7376]

I took my son on a hike to Tragedy Springs about 10 years ago and we found the 3 graves of the Mormon scouts, somebody modernized the graves by making concrete tops over the graves and putting a marker so it was easier to find. Did you walk far enough to find it?

[@jbenziggy]

I did not learn about it until I found it. I wish I had looked for it. Thanks!

[@raynonabohrer5624]

Great video, now which grave do you think is the maiden grave. I wonder how old she was. Her poor mother.

[@jbenziggy]

I happen to think that the maiden is actually buried in the meadow grave however the three bodies of the Mormon scouts could be buried in that area. It’s pretty obvious that there are more graves along the trail than we realize. Thank you for watching!

[@raynonabohrer5624]

@@jbenziggy in the past I remember seeing TV shows will you had to live just like they did. I think we need to bring them back. Because I don't think the kids nowadays could handle it. At least I know I could handle it. I grew up with no electric and no running water.

[@robertbowers9856]

Now California is experiencing a new mass migration with excellent highways to expidide the move!

[@TheHypnotstCollector]

I live down 88 not far from here. Everything between 50 and 88 is burnt to a crisp. And burnt from this area east to 89. nice work.

[@jbenziggy]

Was this gravesite burned?

[@TheHypnotstCollector]

@@jbenziggy I posted the video on the general area. I went up to Maidens Grave/88, stopped sorta where you did but didn't cross the road to see the grave site, drove over Carson Pass. The fire came down to this area and singed it. Not pretty but it could have worse.

[@stevelehel3625]

You'd think the woman would have had the grave pegged as how close it is to the spring. Maybe 200 yards or so.

[@jamesminear2336]

I found this one very interesting... something that is not said about these road side graves is the fact that there was no coffin not even a wooden one so they were probably wrapped in a blanket and buried... which means there is probably nothing left... ashes to ashes dust to dust. Do you wonder how many other graves are wrong?

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

Thumbs up.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks a bunch!

[@lorieawaitley7662]

June 21 '20 4:35 PM 🇺🇸😎🎩 Hello Jeff , I Live Near Independence Mo Where Santa - Cala - Gon Trail Started to California Oregon , which Indep Has Festival Weekend In Aug Every Year since 1979 ...

[@jbenziggy]

Lots of history back where you are. I am a big history nut so I was thrilled to be at the Truman house in 1975 and in 2007. I want to go back and see it all again! Hopefully Sarah and I will get back there sooner than later!

[@raiderfanlb]

Have you been to the small cemetery in Grayson, CA?

[@jbenziggy]

No I haven’t. Been finding about cemeteries all over that I didn’t know about!

[@raiderfanlb]

@@jbenziggy yeah, it's like a 3-4 acre cemetery in the corner of River Rd and Grayson Rd

[@Kvt24]

I was wondering if you can or if you know anything about a cemetery I discovered while playing with google maps called pate cemetery in catheys valley California? Maybe perhaps if able you can take a visit?

[@janetceniza8091]

JEFF WONDERFUL STORY - DO YOU HAVE HELP WITH THE RESEARCH OR DO IT ALL YOURSELF? HAPPY DAD'S DAY - HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY. HAPPY MOM'S DAY TO SARAH, JUST A LITTLE LATE ON THAT ONE.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Janet! The ideas, the research, the planning is all my initiative. Sarah just goes along for the adventure of it all! She usually gets what it's all about after watching our videos. I guess that's the best way to tell the story. Thank you very much!