This photograph was taken during the California Sesquicentennial Wagon Train. These mules were part of the train, and they had stopped for a noontime rest in Lodi, California. They were part of nine separate wagon trains that had converged in northern California to re-enact the events of 150 years ago.
The wagon train consisted of 500 horses and mules, 400 riders and 91 wagons. Some trains started out June 18 and by June 25 they had all arrived in Clements to celebrate the sesquicentennial. During the wagon train travel the trains converged in the foothills at various spots and there were BBQ’s, fandangos, Indian pow-wows, cowboy poetry, story telling and lots of music.
Some of the wagon trains hold a similar event each year, but this was a special celebration that caused most people to be on the train for 15 days. Many school children took field trips to the various rendezvous spots to become involved in the re-enactment. All clothing, equipment, tools, and other artifacts had to be authentic 1850’s era examples. No ice chests, flashlights, ice or other modern conveniences were allowed.
Later that week they all arrived in Stockton, California at Weber’s Point. This was the spot were Captain Weber waited for his bride to arrive by schooner in the Port of Stockton. An individual built a sailing schooner "The California" and sailed it up the coast of California for the re-enactment. It was 145 feet tall, with masts at 101 feet that used 9 sails and a crew of 8. They had to lower the masts on the ship to pass under the Golden Gate, and there was much excitement in the Bay Area. Two smaller ships, "The Pilgrim" at 118 feet and "Alma" a flat bottom scow schooner also traveled up the delta waterways. It was a great event to watch the schooners pass through the bay, much as they had during the gold rush era.
The schooners traveled through the delta and arrived June 27, 1999 in Stockton with Captain Weber’s bride aboard. A crowd of people waited at the Stockton Port to celebrate the event and welcome the tall-masted ships. Captain Weber was the founder of Stockton and a much celebrated individual.
| 
