Near Farson in Sweetwater County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Burning Wagons
The next day Smith and his men struck again near where you are now standing. Militiaman Newton Tuttle, wrote in his journal:
"Mond 5 We went on to the Sandy got breakfast then we went up to the road & found 24 waggons we burnt 22 of them & took 7 mules and 2 saddles we then went off from the road ...".
Wagonmaster Lewis Simpson led the supply train and ever since the wagon burning episode this little valley has been called Simpson's Hollow.
Wagon train owners Russell, Majors, and Waddell valued the damage at more than $85,000. The only casualty of both wagon incidents was when one of Lot Smith's men who was wounded by Smith when his pistol discharged accidentally.
The loss of three months rations and livestock, as well as an early, bitter winter stalled the army at Fort Bridger. The severe weather kept the militia and the army apart. During this lull in action, intermediary Thomas Kane negotiated a peaceful settlement of the conflict. In the spring of 1858, the army peacefully entered Salt Lake City and Alfred Cumming was installed as Utah Territorial Governor.
Erected by Bureau of Land Management.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is October 4, 1857.
Location. 42° 1.09′ N, 109° 35.444′ W. Marker is near Farson, Wyoming, in Sweetwater County. Marker is on State Highway 28, 9 miles west of U.S. 191, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Farson WY 82932, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Simpson's Hollow (within shouting distance of this marker); The Utah War (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Simpson's Hollow (within shouting distance of this marker); First Transcontinental Telegraph (approx. 2.1 miles away); Emigrant/Indian Relations (approx. 2.1 miles away); Pilot Butte & "Graves" of the Unknown Emigrants (approx. 2.1 miles away); Pilot Butte (approx. 2.1 miles away); Continuing the Journey West (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Farson.
More about this marker. Sign donated by Farson 4-H club and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Rock Springs, Wyoming Stake.
Also see . . . Utah War: U.S. Government Versus Mormon Settlers. Article from Wild West Magazine. (Submitted on July 26, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 891 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 26, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.