Near La Grande in Union County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
On This Ridge...
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 30, 2017
1. On This Ridge... Marker
"... we traveled on for the Blue Mountains cutting our way through the fallen timber... We found it very laborious ... with our dull axes that we had not ground since we left Missouri having no grinding stone to grind them & our hands being very tender - cutting those dry sticks which sprung the skin loose from our hands." -- Ninevah Ford, emigrant of 1843 (recollection) "... Here we found and passed some of our advanced company repairing a broken wagon ... we camped on the ridge and drove down into a deep hollow to water and grass. We had to carry water half a mile up a very steep hill to camp. We are now in the Blue mountains and find it very rough country. Much more so than the Rocky mountains, and our worn-out teams seem to appreciate the difference equal to ourselves." -- P.V. Crawford, August 22-22, 1851
Erected by Wallow Whitman National Forest.
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. A significant historical date for this entry is August 22, 1851.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Parade of Survivors (here, next to this marker); Wagon Wheels to Automobiles (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Beautiful Rough Road (about 500 feet away); A Native American Trail (about 600 feet away); Hilgard Junction Oregon Trail Kiosk (approx. 5.6 miles away); "Wagons East " 1975-1976 (approx. 5.6 miles away); Highway US30 and Perry, Oregon (approx. 7.7 miles away); Conde B. McCullough and Upper Perry Arch Bridge (approx. 7.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in La Grande.
More about this marker. This marker is on the Blue Mountain Crossing Interpretive Trail at Blue Mountain Interpretive Park. To reach the park leave Interstate 84 at Exit 248 and take Old Emigrant Hill Scenic Frontage Road for about 3/4 mile, passing under the freeway, then turn right on the unnamed road. Proceed about 2.5 miles to the parking lot at the end of the road.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 208 times since then and 30 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on December 14, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A mid-distance view of the marker. • Can you help?
