by Susan Couso
Devil’s Corral sounds like a bit of a scary place, and indeed it was for many. As early as the 1860’s, the name has deterred travelers and enticed onlookers. Some stories tell that it was originally called Leslie’s Corral by the emigrants who traveled nearby. But when a large herd of cattle settled on the river bend below, and then died from a mysterious disease, the name changed.
Their bleached bones lay strewn about for many years, giving the area a hellish look. Others say that it was the sharp lava towers that inspired the title.
However, Devil’s Corral got its name, it has been an obstacle to travel for quite some time.
As emigrants on the Nobels’ Trail approached the area, they veered north to avoid the chasm. This pulled them away from the preferred route close to the water of the Susan River, but the impossible crossing at Devil’s Corral made it necessary.
There were many attempts to bridge the gap with makeshift spans, but nothing could survive with any safety.
In 1897, there was an attempt by Lassen County to make a more secure crossing, and in 1901, timbers were brought from Abe Bunnell’s mill, just up the river, to reinforce it. But still, it was scary. The ‘bridges’ were perilous contraptions, and not suitable for heavy traffic.
Many accidents occurred while crossing the fissure. In 1908, the Susanville-Prattville stage left Susanville about 8:00a.m., with five passengers and the driver George B. Long. At the top of Devil’s Corral, the brake broke, sending the stage and its heavy load plummeting forward into the horses.
Mrs. Mary Williams, sitting on the front seat with her little son, George, jumped from the stage, hit her head on a rock and died. C. A Rowland also jumped out but was only slightly hurt with a sprained ankle. Bruce Frazee was also injured.
The stage continued to plunge into the canyon, and overturned, killing the two lead horses. Etta Benjamin sustained a broken arm, as did little George Williams. C. A. Rowland, limping on his sprained ankle, managed to cover the seven miles back to Susanville and summoned help. Dr. Dozier responded with several others and brought the deceased woman and the injured back to town.
This incident shocked those throughout the area and brought new fears to travel from Susanville to the west.
In the early 1920’s plans were made to fix the problem. Auto travel was growing, and ‘modern marvels’ abounded. On November 24, 1923, the new Devil’s Corral bridge was dedicated with great ‘pomp and circumstance’. About 1,200 people witnessed the ceremonies as a procession from Westwood and one from Susanville, met at the bridge at 1:30p.m.
The autos, from both sides of the bridge, crossed in unison. Two dainty maidens, one representing Susanville and one representing Westwood personified the connection of the two cities, and ceremonies were highlighted by music from the Westwood Band.
Important men made speeches, and it became apparent that the treacherous chasm had been breached forever.
Rocco Construction Company built the new concrete structure, which was described as one of the most artistic bridges in Northern California. Its 100′ high concrete arches were a highlight of its beauty, and the bridge spanned 2,200′ of difficult terrain. Its cost, partly covered by money from the Southern Pacific Railroad, came to a mere $47,000. It eliminated the steep grade and helped the Southern Pacific cross a dangerous portion of their line.
The bridge made possible a much safer trek from ‘dry’ Westwood to the bars and taverns of Susanville for those thirsty lumber workers and made travel to the western part of California safer and more enjoyable.
