 In 1851, he improved what was originally a Native American path into Sierra Valley to create his Beckwourth Trail.The trail ran from Truckee Meadows (what is now known as Sparks, Nevada) through the pass into California and on to Marysville.In late summer of 1851, James Beckwourth led the first wagon train of settlers along the Beckwourth Trail into Marysville.