Northwoods Tahoe May 2023

Photo By Aaron Jones

Publisher: harryJONES

Editors: allisonJONES

MelanieCano

Layout design: aaronJONES

Contributing Writer: MarkMclaughlin

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The Cape Horn Caper

By Mark McLaughlin,

The highly publicized 1870 train heist near Verdi, Nevada, is considered the West’s first railroad robbery. California’s earliest experience with this relatively new crime occurred in 1881 when five bandits bungled a daring robbery, an event newspapers dubbed the Cape Horn Caper.

This misdeed occurred on September 1, 1881, at Cape Horn Mills in the Sierra Nevada foothills, a remote wooded region about three miles east of Colfax, California. The tracks of the transcontinental railroad snaked through rugged terrain here, 1,322 feet above the American River. The nearly vertical slope at Cape Horn was so steep that workmen were forced to tie ropes around their waist before being lowered down the cliff face. Stories exist of Chinese laborers suspended in homemade reed baskets, but most historians discount the idea as fanciful fiction.

It required tight organization and bold execution to successfully hijack and plunder a moving train. Scrappy Ed Steinegal, a down and out miner from Gold Run, and George H. Shinn, a handsome, 32-year-old professional gambler and noted ladies man, led the Cape Horn gang. In early August 1881, Steinegal convinced John Mason, Reuben Rogers and Henry Frazier to join in the scheme. Unlike Steinegal and Shinn, both of whom had had previous run-ins with the law, the others were new to the crime business. The motive for all five men was simple — get rich quick.

Reuben Rogers owned a small cabin at Pickering Bar on the North Fork of the American Canyon of American River from near Colfax. Cape Horn and railroad on the left, 1869

Continued on Page 4

Photo Courtesy of Library of Congress

Continued from page 3

River near a trail that ran up to the Central Pacific Railroad tracks. The men stashed provisions, tools and explosives at the cabin. Their strategy was to derail the train and then use black powder to blast open the Wells Fargo Express safe. The bandits had the necessary equipment, now all they had to do was pick a train and execute their plan.

On August 31, the men rendezvoused at a designated spot near the railroad right-of-way. To calm their nerves, a whiskey bottle was passed around. Once they reached the tracks, they worked loose one of the rails, put on their masks and loaded their guns. The men had a few more drinks of whiskey while they waited for the train.

The inebriated desperadoes didn’t have long to wait. Just before midnight, eastbound Central Pacific Train No. 1 came huffing and puffing up the heavy grade. At the last minute, the attentive engineer noticed that a section of rail ahead was missing. He hit the air brakes, but the lead locomotive skidded off the track and tipped over into a ditch. The second engine and several other cars also derailed and the train shuddered to a halt.

The engineer wasn’t hurt, but when he jumped from his ditched locomotive a gunman confronted him and ordered him to freeze. The train’s fireman, Fred Boyd, leaped from the second engine and ran directly into the muzzle of a double-barrel shotgun. The man wielding the weapon growled, “Stand there, or I’ll blow the top of your head off!” Instead of obeying the bandit’s order, Boyd ran back toward the passenger cars. Wells Fargo agent, N.M Chadwick, leaned out of the express car just in time to see several armed men rushing toward him. One bandit pointed his rifle at Chadwick and told him to get

away from the money-filled strong boxes. But, sticking to the Wells Fargo code, Chadwick later told journalists, “I immediately closed the door, blew out my light, and made preparations to defend my charge.” Reluctant to take on the determined Wells Fargo messenger, the robbers turned their attention to the mail car. U.S. mail agent, Louis Tripp, was standing outside the postal car when the bandits, armed with rifles and revolvers, confronted him and ordered, “Throw up your hands!” Tripp, however, stood his ground and refused to cooperate.

Frustrated by the stiff resistance shown by the train’s crew and alarmed by the appearance of nearly 100 curious passengers disembarking from the train, the inexperienced crooks panicked. Fear seized the gang and they quickly fled into the forest empty handed.

The following morning, a posse of detectives arrived by special train. Among them was legendary Wells Fargo agent James Hume, and Placer County Sheriff John C. Boggs, a noted veteran with more than 25 years of experience. The San Francisco Chronicle reported: “In a ditch nearby were found picks, crowbars, powder and fuse, with which it was doubtless the intention of the wreckers to break open the express safes. An examination of the track showed that rails had been torn up and carefully slid a few inches from their original position so as to deceive the engineer. The place chosen for the wrecking was a wide portion of the track, where no fatal results could be expected.”

Speculation ran rampant in California as to why the criminals had attempted to rob this particular train. Wealthy capitalist and Nevada State Senator, James G.

Continued on Page 6

Mail Train Car Interior, 1909 Photo Courtesy of Library of Congress

Continued from page 4 Fair, was a passenger on board and some suspected that the gang meant to kidnap the millionaire and hold him for ransom. Others believed that the robbers had actually intended to knock off the westbound Atlantic Express, due several hours after midnight. That train was reportedly carrying between $40,000 and $50,000 in bullion from Idaho mines.

The Cape Horn train-wrecking was considered an almost comical attempt at armed robbery; Detective Hume called it “one of the most bungled crimes performed we had ever had the duty of tracing.” Nevertheless, the State of California offered $300 for each culprit caught and convicted, and Wells Fargo chipped in another $700.

The inept execution of the crime convinced investigators that it had been the work of amateurs, probably local gold miners who had easy access to explosives. Aided by James Hume and a half dozen railroad detectives, Sheriff Boggs ordered local mining camps scoured for suspects. On September 9, the lawmen found Steinegal and John Mason at the cabin. A search turned up pieces of cut fabric that matched the masks and gunnysacks found at the wreck. The two were arrested and taken to the Auburn jail where Sheriff Boggs interrogated them. Steinegal stonewalled, but Mason cracked. When promised immunity, he spilled the beans and identified his cohorts.

Shortly after, officers apprehended Frazier at his house. In the meantime, Reuben Rogers had eloped with Mary Sullivan, an attractive young lady from Iowa Hill. When Sheriff Boggs heard that the newlyweds were honeymooning at the Union Hotel in Nevada City, he contacted Nevada City marshal Erastus Baldridge. Marshal Baldridge broke into their love nest at the hotel and handcuffed Rogers. Twenty-four hours after he had married the happy couple, Justice R.E. Robinson signed Rogers’ arrest warrant. The fifth suspect, gambler George Shinn, had fled over the mountains, but he was arrested in a Virginia City saloon on September 26.

Central Pacific and Wells Fargo hired two local attorneys to assist Placer County district attorney, William B. Lardner, in prosecuting the case. The suspects retained

several of California’s best attorneys, including Niles Searls, a sharp lawyer and future California chief justice. Five trials were held to prosecute the inept bandits. At Steinegal’s trial, 100 witnesses were called before the bench, 52 for the prosecution, and 48 for the defense. John Mason testified against Steinegal, but even with what seemed like overwhelming evidence, after three weeks the trial ended with a hung jury. Steinegal was retried in February 1882, convicted of attempted robbery and sentenced to 13 years in San Quentin Prison. In June 1882, George Shinn was convicted and also sentenced to nearly 13 years in the state penitentiary.

During the trial for Rogers and Frazier, Steinegal offered to testify against his former accomplices in return for a reduced sentence. Sheriff Boggs made the trip to San Quentin to pick up the prisoner and bring him back by train to Auburn. When Boggs and Steinegal arrived at the Auburn station, the depot and streets were crowded with people returning from the state fair in Sacramento. Steinegal was manacled and walking a few feet ahead of the sheriff when suddenly he darted down a side street. Steinegal disappeared into the crowd and escaped. Years later, the fugitive was spotted in Mexico, but he was never again seen in Placer County.

In September 1882, citizens were outraged to learn that the lengthy trials had cost the county more than $30,000, but the railroad company hadn’t paid any local taxes for three years. Mason testified against Rogers and Frazier, but without Steinegal’s testimony he was unable to convince a sympathetic jury of their guilt. Despite the fact that Steinegal and Shinn were convicted on exactly the

Niles Searls, 1887

Photo Courtesy of California Supreme Court Historical Society

KEEP ALLERGY SEASON AT BAY

With warmer outdoor temperatures, many homeowners suffer through longer allergy seasons. In fact, allergy days have increased by an average of 20 days, according to a study conducted by the National Academy of Sciences.

Being aware of air quality indexes and limiting time outdoors can lessen exposure to airborne pollutants, but indoor air quality is also a concern. In a report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, levels of indoor pollutants can be 2-5 times higher than outdoor air.

People spend nearly two-thirds of their lives at home, according to Carrier, which developed its Healthy Homes Program to help homeowners create indoor environments that optimize health and wellness. Consider these ways you can combat pollutants where it matters most: your home’s indoor air quality.

Reduce Indoor Pollutants

Your home has multiple sources of indoor air pollutants. While avoiding these pollutants altogether is often the best solution, it’s not always possible. However, there are a few ways you can reduce exposure in your home: ban indoor smoking; turn on exhaust fans when cooking; minimize or remove “soft” pollutant gathering surfaces such as decorative pillows, stuffed animals and decorative throws; and regularly clean all heating and air conditioner filters as required or according to manufacturer specifications.

Add Air Purifiers to Your HVAC Unit

While air purifiers don’t treat allergies, they can help filter out allergens that can cause allergy symptoms. Homeowners might consider purifiers that are highly effective at capturing particulate. For example, the Carrier Infinity air purifier is a whole-home heating and cooling system. It not only captures 95% of particles in micron size range 1.0-3.0, but also inactivates 99% of select airborne germs and viruses that flow through the HVAC system and become trapped in the MERV 15 filter. The purifier has also demonstrated effectiveness against the murine coronavirus – similar to the human novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19 – based on third-party testing, as well as the type of viruses that cause the common cold, streptococcus pyogenes and influenza.

Control Humidity

Many people know high humidity can cause discomfort in hot temperatures, but there are other potentially negative impacts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dust mites thrive in 70-80% humidity and temperatures between 75-85 F. Additionally, high humidity can provide an environment conducive to mold growth, which is why maintaining relative indoor humidity between 40-60% is recommended to keep dust mites and mold at bay. To help control humidity, run the air conditioner when it’s hot and humid and consider using whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers that allow for specific settings for moisture control.

Consider Room Air Purifiers for Individual Spaces

Room air purifiers are portable and highly efficient solutions for smaller spaces such as nurseries, bedrooms, home gyms and added rooms. One example is the Carrier Smart Room Air Purifier with a built-in indoor air quality monitor that includes three levels of filtration, including an activated carbon filter to capture odors.

Outdoor allergy and pollutants map. See more up to date

at Pollen.com

Creating your ideal home environment is more than just controlling the temperature. Your home’s air should be filtered and pollutants limited to minimize allergy triggers and promote good indoor air quality.

BUDGET FRIENDLY TRAVEL

For many people, traveling is about exploring new cultures, landscapes, cuisines and ideas. However, the cost of the trip is still one of the most important considerations when booking a vacation.

In fact, according to a survey conducted by Slickdeals, a one-of-akind online community of shoppers working together to shop smarter and save more, 81% of respondents listed total cost as their top consideration followed by a desire for kid-friendly experiences at the destination and discounts or deals on transportation and lodging.

Even amid reported concerns about inflation (56%), increasing flight costs (51%) and gas prices (49%), 84% of families plan to spend the same amount or more on travel this year as last. Among the respondents, 42% plan to spend between $1,501-3,000 and 15% plan to spend $5,000 or more on travel.

While traveling is undoubtedly an investment, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Consider these tips from Pete King, deal expert for Slickdeals, to save money as you begin planning your next excursion.

Set your budget with hidden costs in mind. When setting budgets, many people stop at the basics like transportation, accommodations and entertainment. Make sure to factor in additional costs such as pet care, food, checked luggage fees and airport and hotel parking so there are no surprises at the end of the trip.

Look for deals. Being open to a variety of destinations and travel dates can help you score the best deals. If you’re tired of switching between booking sites or searching online for bargains, consider browsing the latest travel deals on the Slickdeals Travel Page where community members share some of the best travel deals on the internet, which can save you time and effort when looking for savings on your trip.

Bring an empty water bottle. While Transportation Security Administration regulations don’t allow you to bring most fluids through security checkpoints in airports, packing an empty water bottle in your carry-on or personal item can save you from high costs inside the terminal. Once you’re through security, simply fill your bottle at the nearest water fountain.

Pack less than you think you’ll need. Many people overpack, and that can be a costly mistake. A single checked bag can cost as much as $50, and some airlines charge extra for a ticket that includes a carry-on. For a weekend trip, keep it simple with a carry-on or backpack, and for longer adventures, keep in mind nobody at your destination will likely know you wore the same jeans two days in a row.

Find the right rewards credit card. If you have a rewards credit card, you could get cash back when you make certain purchases. You could get a percentage back on groceries, travel, dining and more. For example, with a travel rewards credit card, you earn points or miles that can be redeemed for future travel plans. General travel cards earn points or miles on virtually every purchase, regardless of airline or hotel chain, while co-branded cards that align with a specific airline or hotel reward users with more points for loyalty spending and provide additional benefits like free checked bags or a free night’s stay on your card anniversary.

Not Too Far Burney Falls

When visiting Burney Falls in the late 1800s, Teddy Roosevelt immediately named them the “8th Wonder of the World”. He was not mistaken. In all of California no falls are more beautiful, even though they are not nearly as towering as those in Yosemite National Park; only 129 feet high. The land surrounding, and the falls officially became McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park in 1926 and in 1984, Burney Falls was named a National Natural Landmark.

Photo by Aaron Jones

These beautiful falls were named after Samuel Burney, who, in the same tradition as naming Donner Summit, was given the honor posthumously. On April 2, 1859, a ranch owner discovered the bodies of Mr. Burney and a young Sacramento Valley Indian boy, who had been killed by members of a local tribe. For some time after the bodies were found, the area was known as the “valley where Burney was killed”.

John and Catherine McArthur arrived to the area in the 1860s, purchased thousands of acres including the falls, and set up a mercantile store. Over time the settlement became known as Peck’s Bridge. In 1917, newly formed Pacific Gas & Electric Company began buying up water rights in the area, interested in offering hydroelectric power. Two sons of the McArthurs, Frank and Scott, realized that the falls would be destroyed by damning up The Pit River nearby. They quickly purchased another 160 acres surrounding the falls and in 1920, deeded it to the State, requesting only that it be named for their parents.

The area had a small population through 1925 and today the park has a quaint, and thought-provoking pioneer cemetery, where those first residents are buried, along with the first park overseers. It is a peaceful meadow hike of about 1.8 miles.

There are only 5 miles of trails in the park and the Pacific Crest Trail passes through it. The short hike down to the bottom of the falls is easy and breathtakingly beautiful; walking down you feel as if you are entering another world, cool and mysterious, with just the sound of rushing water and black swifts, (water cave dwelling birds) carving the air. At one point, on the way down the switch back trail, look up to your right and you will see a single, tall, almost dead tree by itself, with a large eagle’s nest at the top. In April, we were lucky enough to see the adult eagle bringing food back to the nest and feeding the chicks. Unfortunately, we had to look through our camera lens…don’t forget those binoculars!

The trail down to the falls continues as a loop, winding up and around the top of the falls to Burney Creek, with several great bridges; it is only a little over a mile. On the second bridge you can see the water going over the ledge on one side and the fisherman enjoying their sport on the other. At the bottom of the falls and on the loop trail, the sides are steep. Basalt rock left over from a single ancient lava flow, covers one hillside. The moisture is so prevalent all year that the basalt is covered with a thick, velvety moss, making the hill look like a great, lumpy blanket.

Because the source of the falls, Burney Creek, is fed from underground springs, the falls are unique to California with a constant, daily water flow of 100 million gallons…even in drought. The water winds its way to nearby Lake Britton where there is summer boating, fishing and swimming. The lake can be reached by trail or road.

Roughly 200 miles northwest of Truckee, Burney Falls is probably an overnight trip at the least. The small town of Burney is close by with motels and motor lodges and the State Park itself offers many campsites and small camping cabins to rent seasonally. Overnight pricing is reasonable in Burney, and the onsite, heated camping cabins can hold from 4-8 sleepers, running from $85 to $140 per night. It’s okay to bring your dogs, but they are not allowed on the Burney Falls trail or loop trail.

Dish Out a New Take on Dessert

Summertime means plenty of grilling, giving you an opportunity to try this Grilled Banana Pound Cake Kabobs dessert recipe alongside your favorite entrees. Find more grilling recipes at Culinary.net

Grilled Banana Pound Cake Kabobs

1 loaf (10 3/4 ounces) frozen pound cake, thawed and cubed

2 large bananas, cut into 1-inch slices metal or soaked wooden skewers

1/4 cup butter, melted

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

ice cream

desired toppings

Heat grill to medium heat. Alternately thread cake and bananas on skewers. In small bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract and cinnamon. Brush mixture over