Welcome to Cradlebaugh Bridge
(elevation 4663')
Nevada State Historical Marker No. 123
NOTE: There is currently NO marker here. As you approache the river heading southbound... just before the bridge, you will now only find the Nevada DOT sign letting you know there should be a historical marker in the vicinity. However, as we mentioned before, there is currently no marker to be found... According to the official Nevada State Historic Preservation Office, "This marker is currently awaiting reinstallation" but you can still come find a cache! And if they ever do get around to replacing the marker, we've got the spot covered.
Cradlebaugh Bridge, built in 1861 by William Cradlebaugh, was a crucial link in the route from Carson City to the booming Esmeralda Mining District, specifically the town of Aurora. It shortened the distance and provided a faster route compared to previous paths. The bridge also featured a waterwheel, which is said to have inspired George Ferris in his design of the Ferris Wheel.
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Original Marker Text:
The remains of Cradlebaugh Bridge, built in 1861, by William Cradlebaugh, stand ¼ mile west of here. This bridge shortened the distance from Carson City to Aurora in the then- booming Esmeralda Mining District.
There were two routes from Carson City south to the bridge where they joined, crossed the river, and headed into the desert. One followed the westside of the Carson River. The foothill alternate went via Jacks Valley and the old John James Ranch, then around the hill to the bridge. Five miles south of Cradlebaugh Bridge the road passed Desert Station, a lively hostelry, and beyond, the Twelve Mile House enroute to Esmeralda.
The road and bridge were purchased by Douglas County in 1895 for $5,000.
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To access the cache, you can park just of the highway headed southbound... make sure you are safely off the road. Please use caution when finding this cache and return it carefully.