Thomas Fork
A bad ford gave trouble to wagon
trains crossing this stream on
the trail to California and
Oregon in 1849.
In that year, gold-seeking 49ers developed a
short cut (practically U.S. 30 west of here)
which crossed this stream. By the early 1850's,
two bridges had been built and their enterprising
owner was charging $1 a wagon toll--which
not everyone could afford. Penniless emigrants
struggling in the water cursed while richer
companies comfortably clattered across
the bridges.
