 On Feb. 15, 1875, a travel suitcase was found by children alongside the railroad track near Clipper Gap. According to the Feb. 20, 1875, Placer Herald: “The valise had been broken open and it is supposed that all things of value had been taken out.”
The items left behind were socks, drawers, two quilts, a linen coat and a shirt along with various other small items. Of note were a group of about 10 photographs, most of which were taken in San Francisco, and a leather strop with the initials “J.M.” The name on the suitcase was “John Muir.”
The Placer Herald referred to the discovery as a mystery because they didn’t know who John Muir was or what led to his suitcase being left open alongside the railroad track. Could it have been the naturalist and preservationist John Muir? We can’t say with 100% certainty, but we do know he was in California at the time. It’s possible his suitcase was stolen while traveling and later tossed from a train.
John Muir became famous for his efforts to preserve Yosemite Valley and was a co-founder of the Sierra Club. Muir believed in the preservation of the wilderness in the United States, a belief he fought for until his death in 1914.
Photo: John Muir in Yosemite National Park, c. 1907
 Whether it’s representing your community or sharing your expertise on topics like agriculture or parks, there are always opportunities for you to help advise county leaders on the issues that matter to you most. Recruitment is open now to fill seats on the following committees or commissions, among others. Learn more and apply
Current recruitments include:
 Don’t miss the fun coming this next week in...
Lincoln: Live author reading of Willow the Wonder Pug
Auburn: Placer Land Trust “Nature Quest” – Forest Bathing at Canyon View Preserve, Farmers’ Market
North Lake Tahoe: Aprés in the Village at Northstar California, Elemental Immersion Wellness Event at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
...and many Placer County Library and Placer County Museum events.
Visit our regional partners to discover more of the fun happening right here in Placer County!
Placer County Visitors' Bureau
North Tahoe Community Alliance
Tahoe City Downtown Association
The Arts Council of Placer County
Placer Valley Tourism
PlacerGROWN
Placer Wine Trail
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