Downieville, CA: A Most Unusual Historical Landmark - Road Trip Day 10 Episode 26

[robertpaulsen]

Driving along Highway 49 was definitely one of the highlights of our road trip. I loved riding with the window down to breathe the fresh mountain air and listen to the Yuba River crashing by! One destination that Neek, Sar and I really wanted to check out along this stretch of road was Downieville, which has a very interesting history.

[SouthernIrish]

1. Nice video.

I shutter to think that people used to gather with their children to watch public executions. They would even picnic while watching it. It just seems so barbaric to me.

[robertpaulsen]

2. Truly chilling.

The first time I became aware of that was doing research for a history class in junior high. I think it was regarding the execution of John Wilkes Booth's co-conspirators. So astounding and disturbing that anyone would treat killing as a form of entertainment to enjoy a meal while watching.

Glad you enjoyed the video, SouthernIrish!

[robertpaulsen]

3. Some pictures we took of Downieville.