Sutter Creek Events
KIT CARSON MOUNTAIN MEN “DAYS OF 49” WAGON TRAIN
April 27 – May 1
The Kit Carson Mountain Men Wagon Train and Days of 49 Celebration bring Gold Rush history alive in charming, historic Amador County.
This year the authentic wagon train of 16 horse-drawn covered wagons will kick off Wednesday in Ione, CA, for a 5-day journey, through the towns of Plymouth, Drytown, Amador City and Sutter Creek, to Jackson for an all-day celebration of California’s pioneer heritage on Saturday.
The colorful Kit Carson Mountain Men sixth living history wagon train re-enactment through the Gold Country, where everyone is invited to “rendezvous” with the horse-men and -women at stops and encampments along the way.
The public is invited to join the wagon train afternoons and evenings for barbecue dinners and casual entertainment. Admission is free to all events.
Wednesday, April 27
On day 1, the Wagon Train departs from Plymouth and will drive through the 49er Village RV Resort, returning to Main Street for a 20 minutes stop. Continuing the journey by looping through the Shenandoah Valley, returning to the encampment site in Plymouth.
Thursday, April 28
Thursday morning the Wagon Train will start with a second pass and a wave to the children at the Plymouth Elementary School. Departing from Plymouth headed to Drytown via private ranch properties. The Wagon Train will stop on Spanish Street in Drytown for a visit and photos, and then head to a nearby ranch for a private encampment.
Friday, April 29
On Friday, Old Highway 49 will become the Wagon Train route. Amador City is the first stop for a visit with the Wagon Train. Continuing the drive on back roads, the Wagon Train will also stop for a late lunch in Sutter Creek. With the final climb for the day, up to Sutter Hill where the wagoner’s will enjoy a private encampment at a nearby ranch.
Saturday, April 30
On day 4, the Wagon Train begins the morning travelling through beautiful ranch land off Ridge Road. The trip continues with stops at the Kit Caron Mountain Men Hut in Jackson and a visit with residents at Oak Manor Retirement Complex, next to the Amador Senior Center. The night’s encampment is at the historic Laughton Ranch located at 90 Clinton Road in Jackson (across from Raley’s).
The public is invited to a free, full day of activities at this delightful working ranch. Several living history programs, vendors, entertainment, music and dancing are planned into the night. A BBQ will be available throughout the day.
Sunday, May 1
The 5th and final adventure of the Days of 49 Wagon Train, leads us to Parade Day! Head to Main Street, Jackson, for the Wagon Train’s “grand finale” with an entertaining parade of performers, riders and local historic groups. The parade finale is a visit with the Kit Carson Mountain Men Wagon Train. The train will stop for about 30 minutes on Main Street to provide parade goers the opportunity to check out the wagons, horses & mules and take photos with the Kit Carson Mountain Men.
Whether you’ve seen it before, or seeing for the first time, the Days of 49 Wagon Train, a California pioneer heritage, is sure to delight locals and visitors of all ages. It’s hard to imagine a better way to spend your time than seeing this living history display, a Gold Rush experience unlike any other.
For questions and information, please contact John Queirolo, Kit Carson Mountain Men Head Wrangler at (916) 769-2339 or Dianne Oneto, Wagon Train Director at (916) 769-4468, or email 49erWagonTrain@gmail.com.