There’s no denying that Northern California looks a lot different than it did, say, 100 years ago. It’s hard to even imagine what the places we all know and love may have even looked like before our time. That’s exactly why this footage from the early 1900s is so compelling to watch. This rare video footage traces U.S. Route 50 eastward across the state, ending on a fantastic view of Lake Tahoe! The quality in the stills below aren’t all that great (it was filmed a century ago, after all), so we encourage you to view the full video at the end of the article for the entire picture.
Posted by YouTube user PlacervilleInfo is a fascinating look at what NorCal life looked like a hundred years ago. The rare 4.5-minute video traces a buggy as it makes its way along U.S. Route 50, eventually ending at Lake Tahoe.
The historic footage, edited together in a snazzy silent film-era style montage, gives viewers a quick glimpse at many of the route's greatest natural attractions. In one frame, the vehicle dashes by Bridal Veil Falls. In another, a man attempts to fish in the American River while balancing dangerously on a log.
Another area attraction you're bound to recognize is Echo Lake. In the video, you can see several people enjoying paddling around the lake's waters—not so different than the type of scene you'd see today!
U.S. Route 50 is a historic highway and was most notably used as the main method of transportation for 49ers flocking to California during the Gold Rush. It was also a prominent route for the historic Pony Express.
In fact, a portion of the present-day route is considered California's very first state highway. Stretching from West Sacramento all the way across the state to South Lake Tahoe, it's amazing to think of the history this highway has seen since its construction.
The footage ends with the view of a steamboat chugging across what you can only imagine are the emerald waters of Lake Tahoe. As it floats past the camera's frame, the boat's occupants can be seen waving to the camera. If only they knew that this video would live to be seen in the 21st century!
The Northern California that's represented in the video certainly looks a little different than it does today, but at the same, a lot has stayed exactly the same. The American River is still flowing strong, Tahoe's waters are still glistening brightly—there are just slightly more people around to enjoy all of these beautiful destinations.
