Near La Grande in Union County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
Parade of Survivors
A parade of emigrants wore the Oregon Trail into the landscape. Determined survivors of the long trek became worn much like the trail.
"Found hard hills to day and very stoney. Saw 5 graves and 5 dead cattle. The weather cold and dusty." -- Martha S. Reed, September 21, 1852
Erected by Wallow Whitman National Forest.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Oregon Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 15, 1853.
Location. 45° 23.999′ N, 118° 18.822′ W. Marker is near La Grande, Oregon, in Union County. Marker is on Unnamed Road (possibly Oregon Trail Road 1843) near Old Emigrant Hill Scenic Frontage Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: La Grande OR 97850, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. On This Ridge... (here, next to this marker); Wagon Wheels to Automobiles (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Beautiful Rough Road (about 500 feet away); A Native American Trail (about 600 feet away); Hilgard Junction Oregon Trail Kiosk (approx. 5.6 miles away); "Wagons East " 1975-1976 (approx. 5.6 miles away); Highway US30 and Perry, Oregon (approx. 7.7 miles away); Conde B. McCullough and Upper Perry Arch Bridge (approx. 7.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in La Grande.
More about this marker. This marker is on the Blue Mountain Crossing Interpretive Trail at Blue Mountain Interpretive Park. To reach the park leave Interstate 84 at Exit 248 and take Old Emigrant Hill Scenic Frontage Road for about 3/4 mile, passing under the freeway, then turn right on the unnamed road. Proceed about 2.5 miles to the parking lot at the end of the road.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 261 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 14, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.