Near Glendo in Platte County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Horseshoe Creek Station
Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints realized the importance of a dependable mail and passenger service between the east and the Salt Lake Valley. The Church-operated Brigham Young Express and Carrying Company (BYX) constructed the Horseshoe Creek Station complex in 1856, beginning a new community.
Tensions between the U.S. government and the Church reached a point that in 1857 a U.S. Military expedition was mounted to replace the Utah Territorial Governor Brigham Young. While accounts of the event vary, the Horseshoe Creek Station site fell victim to the violence and was set ablaze. In August. 1857 BYX disbanded its stations between Fort Laramie and Salt Lake City.
The station complex was later rebuilt and other operators, including the short-lived Pony Express, used the station for several years. In December 1866 John "Portugee" Phillips stopped at the Horseshoe Creek Station during his legendary 235-mile ride through a blizzard from Fort Phil Kearny to Fort Laramie to telegraph the military that troops were surrounded by hostile Sioux and Cheyenne warriors and needed assistance.
Erected by Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Pony Express National Historic Trail series list.
Location. 42° 28.284′ N, 105° 1.662′ W. Marker is near Glendo, Wyoming, in Platte County. Marker is on South Glendo Highway (State Highway 319), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1267 South Glendo Highway, Glendo WY 82213, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 16 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Horseshoe Creek Pony Express Station (a few steps from this marker); Oregon Trail (approx. 5.8 miles away); a different marker also named Oregon Trail (approx. 13 miles away); Firewood & Cool Water (approx. 13 miles away); James Bridger’s Ferry (approx. 14.1 miles away); a different marker also named Oregon Trail (approx. 15.2 miles away); Cottonwoods: Homes Along the Prairie River (approx. 15½ miles away).
More about this marker. This marker is approximately 1.5 miles south of Glendo.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 996 times since then and 128 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 9, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.