California Hill

Many emigrants to Oregon or California had to ford the South Platte River to continue their trek up the North Platte River to South Pass. The most important ford, known as the Old California Crossing, was a few miles west of present-day Ogallala. The South Platte was the most formidable obstacle overland emigrants had yet faced. Some lost wagons or supplies and a few lost their lives to its swift water and shifting sands.<p> After fording the South Platte the emigrants face a steep climb up a large hill that became known as California Hill. During their passage, the wheels of thousands of wagons left deep ruts that can still be seen today.