Historical Sites, Points of Interest along our Trek

See more pictures and information on http://pioneerhandcarttreks.com/history

Location: 8 miles SW of Fort Bridger, Wyoming; total distance 18 – 20 miles; 7,400 elevation;

80% is original trail utilized by the saints; historical sites and observations all along the trek

Brigham’s Arrow

Bigelow Bench Springs & Ruins

Of course the buildings weren’t here until later, wind farm country now

From this bench they could see the mountains ahead, and better forage

Gravel Hill Descent was the steepest rocky hill pioneers encountered

It was more difficult because of the loose cobblestone rocks

Several accounts record the damage to wagons, carts, and cattle

They also made note of the wide vistas along this section and good springs

Muddy Creek was mentioned in nearly every Pioneer trail account

Muddy Creek Crossing

Campsite on Muddy Creek: every group camped at this location

The best campsites extended all along its grassy plain for a couple miles

Overland Stage and Pony Express Station was at Muddy Camp

William’s Hollow Campsite was largest and flattest

Mormon Springs, Oil & Tar Springs, Trek baby & Pioneer Lasses

Handcarts and wagons were repaired with the Tar & Oil found here

Philo Dibble Rock & Natural Amphitheater:

1847 Vanguard Company came down this rocky amphitheater, leaving ruts

All others followed the Aspen Ridge. 1857 Johnston’s Army of 3000 was advancing.

They also camped along Muddy Creek, and were held up in Wyoming for the winter.

Dibble with the Mormon Raiders captured and burned 75 government wagons.

They returned on these back trail to avoid the US troops. Dibble was here!

Pioneer Graves: Many unmarked graves are scattered all along the trail.

From 1847 to 1869 some 70,000 Mormons traveled over this trail.

During the Gold Rush another 25,000 more also used this to California

10% average of these travelers died on their journey, about 7 per mile.

A much higher concentration was along this section of the trail.

At Muddy Creek, Copperas/Soda Springs, Spring Valley many are marked.

Chow Line and Hoedown

Pioneers would enjoy each other with song and lively dancing