(InEDC) This is a fantastic photo of Teamsters hauling freight towards Slippery Ford from Sayles Flat, near Camp Sacramento, c.1860's Published: 08/31/23 7:47 AM PST
“Slippery Ford” is a name and place that conjures up a terrifying chapter in transportation history. The name suggests that this river, “Ford,” or crossing, was dangerous. Indeed, until a bridge was built nearby, travelers would have to cross this portion of the American River by wading through, depending on the season, a shear film or torrent of cascading water. One slip and you and your wagon would slide down the river to a doubtful, likely painful outcome.
Before the Lincoln Highway passed this way, John Calhoun Johnson built what was known as Johnson’s Cut-Off Trail in 1852, which brought emigrants over the Sierra Crest. This route soon replaced the earlier Carson River emigrant route up and over Carson Pass to the south, a more challenging climb and a higher elevation. Johnson’s Cut-Off Trail soon became the road to use.
The Slippery Ford House site, a boarding house and supply stop for travelers in the 1860’s. This spot is amazing as there is literally nothing left of this old place other than debris.
The Slippery Ford area is rich in history, and if you like hiking, it’s a great trip from Lover’s Leap campground to the Slippery Ford parking lot.
This is a fantastic photo of Teamsters hauling freight towards Slipper Ford from Sayles Flat, near Camp Sacramento, c.1860’s·
![Grizzly Flat [ca. 1851-1852]](http://www.inedc.com/23/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GrizzlyFlats-1851-1852-350x250.webp)
