Welcome to the Site of the Missing Marker
"Washo Indians"
(elevation 6207')
Nevada State Historical Marker No. 181
This spot has long confused me... while driving down Highway 50 towards Carson City, you get the welcome warning of a State Historical Marker, but then, at the next turnout, there is nothing to be seen (except a fantastic expansive view of the valley)?! Just over the wall, you will find an ECV historical marker commemorating the Clear Creek - Kings Canyon Fire of 1926 (site of the now archived cache GC2JJRB)... but where's Big Blue?? It appears the marker was removed in its entirety from this location some time back in 2001.
According to sources: "This marker was removed for updating. Due to budget cuts, there is no estimated date for its return."
The updating in question seems to stem from the same reasoning that caused the removal, then eventual return of the Cave Rock SHM, #266. According to the website of the SHPO, that marker was removed because "the interpretive text is undergoing revisions" with some text considered flawed or "offensive," and misinterpreted a valuable piece of information in accordance to the Washo Tribe. I am all for editing these markers to make them more respectful of the Washo People. Given the original text of this marker (see below) I'm guessing this one was taken down around the same time for the same reason... it just hasn't been returned yet with the updated text/description.
Long thought gone for good, some other SHM Hunters have done more research into this missing marker and discovered more information about it... indeed, the original plaque was acutally located in an NDOT maintenance yard in 2010 along with two other markers, covered in snow and road grime. You can read more about it HERE.
Current SHM Description According to Nevada State Historic Preservation Office:
Long before the coming of emigrant wagon trains, this site overlooked the lands of the Washo Indians. A valley, a town, and a county still bear their name. A nearby trail marks their ancient route from the lowlands to Lake Tahoe and California. The Washo language is distinct from both Shoshone and Paiute. For many years, the Washo people remained isolated, roaming their native high Sierra and descending into the valleys for winter. Their pine nut ceremony is still held before harvest time, with men and women working together at this enterprise. The departure for the pine nut groves is celebrated by singing and dancing during the Pine nut ceremony called Goomsabyi. Their basketry, now world famous, is one aspect of Washo culture that has been preserved for generations. The beautiful work of their most celebrated artist, Dat-So-La-Lee is exhibited at the Nevada State Museum, Carson City, and the Nevada Historical Society, Reno, along with other equally talented basket weavers exhibits.
Original Marker Text (it appears that, if this marker ever returns, the text will be edited to read as above):
Long before the coming of the emigrant trains, this site overlooked the lands of the Washo Indians. A valley, a city and a county still bear their name. A nearby trail marks their ancient route from the lowlands to Lake Tahoe and California. Their language is distinctive from both Shoshone and Paiute. For many years they preferred to remain isolated, roaming their native High Sierra. They were a peace-loving people who hunted and fished to provide food for their families. Their pinenut ceremony is still held before harvest time, the women accompanying the men on this expedition. The departure is celebrated by singing and dancing. Their puberty ritual has been in existence for generations, and Washo basketry is justly world famous. The beautiful work of their most celebrated artist, Dat-So-La-Lee, is on exhibition today in the Nevada State Museum, Carson City, and the Nevada Historical Society, Reno. Captain Jim is the most revered of their last great chiefs.
When looking for the cache, please exercise caution. Access to GZ is safest by parking well into the turnout and then stepping over the wall to keep yourself away from any road traffic. No need to climb down the hill either... just follow the wall until you find what you're looking for.