Near Montpelier in Bear Lake County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
Idaho's Emigrant Trails
In 1843 wagons first rolled past Fort Hall to face the harshness and desolation of the Snake River Plain. Dust, sagebrush, lava rock, mosquitoes, a burning sun, cold nights, and a concerned Native American population made the journey an arduous one. Yet, these pioneers continued on to establish ocean-to-ocean nation.
Prior to the discovery of gold, California-bound emigrants followed the main Oregon Trail to Raft River before turning south on the California Trail. Gold seekers soon opened new routes in an attempt to reach their destinations sooner. Hudspeth's Cutoff (1849) directed traffic west from Soda Springs. The Salt Lake Alternate (Hensley's Cutoff, 1848) enabled travelers to obtain supplies in Salt Lake City before continuing their journey. These routes joined in the City of Rocks area and headed west through Granite Pass.
As the number of emigrants increased, lands along the trail became barren of grass and wood, and water sources often became tainted. Consequently, alternate routes were explored and utilized. The South Alternate (1843), Northside Alternate (1840's), Goodale's Cutoff (1852), Lander Road (1858), and Kelton Road (1869) all became heavily utilized by emigrants and early Idaho settlers
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.
Location. 42° 14.151′ N, 111° 13.975′ W. Marker is near Montpelier, Idaho, in Bear Lake County. Marker is on U.S. 30 at milepost 441.7, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Montpelier ID 83254, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Hot, Cold, Dry, Wet, Dusty, 2,000-Mile Trail (here, next to this marker); Big Hill... (here, next to this marker); One Continual Stream (here, next to this marker); Big Hill (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Big Hill (a few steps from this marker); The McAuley Cutoff (a few steps from this marker); McAuley's Road (within shouting distance of this marker); Smith's Trading Post (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montpelier.
More about this marker. This marker is located in the stone kiosk.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 605 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 22, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.