The Way West

The Way West. After leaving Scotts Bluff, wagon trains headed toward the mountains. , Only a few of the pioneers who reached Scotts Bluff scaled the cliffs to witness this aerial view of the country ahead. The wagons had to keep rolling to reach Oregon or California before cold weather set in., Ft. Mitchell, the next stop on the trail, was visible from this point. Laramie Peak also came into view here and remained the dominant landmark for several days. On clear days you can see it 90 miles (150 km) to the northwest., Beyond Scotts Bluff, the pioneers faced the Rocky Mountains and continued hardships. Wagons broke down. Food supplies diminished. Cattle and horses gave out. Many emigrants died along the way. But thousands reached their destinations, helping to insure that the Western territories would eventually become part of the United States., June 11, 1852 , West of Scotts Bluff , “We are in sight of Laramie Peak now, though it will be several days before we are opposite it. We have driven fast today and passed a great many ox teams, though the dust is so heavy that it almost blinded us. Distance traveled thirty miles.”- Francis H. Sawyer. , June 11, 1846 , “After the gorge is passed, we find Fort Mitchell. This is a sub-post of Fort Laramie of peculiar style and compactness. The walls of the quarters are also the outlines of the fort itself, and the four sides of the rectangle are respectively the quarters of the officers, soldiers, and horses, and the warehouse of supplies. Windows open into the little court or parade-ground; and bedrooms, as well as other apartments, are loop-holed for defense.”- Margaret Carrington.