 In 1931, a group of riders re-marked the historic Emigrant Trail from Auburn to Lake Tahoe, once a key route linking California to Nevada mining towns in the 1850s and 1860s. Led by Constable Bob Watson and members of the Native Sons of the Golden West, the four-day journey revived a forgotten path.
On Aug. 7, 1955, Wendell Robie (pictured left) helped organize the first annual Lake Tahoe to Auburn Trail Ride, which is known today as the Western States Trail Ride.
While 107 riders participated and completed the ride over multiple days, just four riders made the entire 100-mile trip in one day starting from the Tahoe Community Center and Post Office in Tahoe City. Veterinarians and first-aid personnel accompanied the riders along the route. Robie also carried a mail pouch postmarked at Lake Tahoe, which was delivered to the Auburn post office and stamped with the official time of arrival.
The success of that first ride established a tradition that would grow into one of the most celebrated endurance riding events in the world. From these early rides, the legendary Tevis Cup was born, an event now recognized as America’s toughest endurance horse race.
Photo: Pictured from left to right are Wendell Robie on Smoke, Bill Patrick III on Mike, Pat Sewell on Mr. Granite, Richard Highfill on Doc, and Lincoln Mansfield on Buffalo Bill. Aug. 7, 1955. Placer County Museums Collection.
Explore our new interactive timeline — updated every Thursday with photographs, milestones and the stories of people who built this county. Explore timeline
 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...
Roseville: Mahany Park Certified Farmers' Market, Maidu Park Farmers' Market, Roseville Fountains Farmers' Market, Kaiser Riverside Farmers' Market, Kaiser Eureka Farmers' Market, Sutter Roseville Farmers Market
Lincoln: Farmers’ Market at Fowler Ranch, Kaiser Lincoln Farmers' Market, Lincoln Wings & Wheels
Auburn: Auburn Old Town Farmer’s Market – Placer Farmers Market, Farmers Market at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital, Auburn Music On The Square, Market in the Square, Summer Movies Under the Stars
Colfax: Colfax Farmers’ Market,
North Lake Tahoe: Tahoe City Farmer’s Market, Music on the Beach, Kings Beach, Rubicon Summer Music Series, Northstar Summer Stage, Bluesdays, Concerts at Commons Beach, Big Blue Adventure Lake Tahoe Triathlon, Beach Cleanup | Kings Beach, Live at the Launch - Pipe Down
...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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