Near Lander in Fremont County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Rocky Ridge
Photographed By Tracy Scussel, July 19, 2016
1. Rocky Ridge Marker
Inscription.
Rocky Ridge. . At 7000 feet above sea level, Rocky Ridge is the highest point on the Mormon and Oregon Trails. This elevation, lack of water, and rugged landscape presented a challenge to early pioneers. The trail over Rocky Ridge is approximately two miles long and ascends over 700 feet in elevation . This ridge was particularly difficult during the 1856 rescue of the Mormon Willie and Martin Handcart Companies. The Willie Company crossed Rocky Ridge in severe winter conditions in a state of starvation. Their ascent began on October 22, 1856. It took 27 hours for the journey of 15 miles from the base of Rocky Ridge to Rock Creek. Poor clothing, including worn out shoes, was the cause of this area being called the Trail of Blood.
At 7000 feet above sea level, Rocky Ridge is the highest point on the Mormon and Oregon Trails. This elevation, lack of water, and rugged landscape presented a challenge to early pioneers. The trail over Rocky Ridge is approximately two miles long and ascends over 700 feet in elevation . This ridge was particularly difficult during the 1856 rescue of the Mormon Willie and Martin Handcart Companies. The Willie Company crossed Rocky Ridge in severe winter conditions in a state of starvation. Their ascent began on October 22, 1856. It took 27 hours for the journey of 15 miles from the base of Rocky Ridge to Rock Creek. Poor clothing, including worn out shoes, was the cause of this area being called the Trail of Blood.
Erected 1992 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Riverton Wyoming Stake.
Location. 42° 27.773′ N, 108° 26.225′ W. Marker is near Lander, Wyoming, in Fremont County. Marker is on Oregon Trail, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lander WY 82520, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. This marker is approximately 15 miles, as the crow flies, south west of Sweetwater Station on the Oregon Trail,
Photographed By Tracy Scussel, July 19, 2016
2. Rocky Ridge Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,310 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on August 9, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
