Jensen in Uintah County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
River of Good Fortune
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 27, 2025
1. River of Good Fortune Marker
-Silvestre Velez de Escalante
"According to our guide, one cannot cross anywhere else than by a single ford it has in this vicinity, which lies on the side west of the hog back on the north, very near to a chain of small bluffs of loose dirt, some lead colored and others of a yellow hue."
On September 16, 1776, a small expedition forded the Green River near this spot. They named it the San Buenaventura, or river of good fortune. The group was led by Atanasio Dominguez and Silvestre Velez de Escalante, two Franciscan friars attempting to find a northern route from Santa Fe, New Mexico to newly established Spanish missions in Monterrey, California. Their expedition was the first known group of Europeans to enter what is now Dinosaur National Monument. Maps and journal entries described many of Dinosaur's prominent landmarks including the mountains and hills around you.
Eventually, the friars explored Utah Valley, south of modern day Salt Lake City. After abandoning their quest to reach California, they endured an arduous journey back to Santa Fe, navigating the canyon country surrounding the Colorado River in what is now Southern Utah. Although they did not achieve their stated goal, the Dominguez-Escalante Expedition is credited as the first group to map vast areas of the American West, paving the way for later travelers. Their journey would set in motion dramatic changes for the native peoples who inhabited the area.
(caption) Map by Don Bernardo Miera y Pacheco 1777
Erected by National
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Dominguez y Escalante Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 16, 1776.
Location. 40° 25.747′ N, 109° 19.954′ W. Marker is in Jensen, Utah, in Uintah County. It is on South 9500 East, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2430 S 9500 E, Vernal UT 84078, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Utah’s Uinta Basin. It is also in the American Mountain West and in Colorado Plateau. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexico’s Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Jensen (Mau-be) Ferry (approx. 4.1 miles away); Escalante Expedition (approx. 4.4 miles away); First School in Jensen (approx. 5 miles away); A Fremont Mystery (approx. 7.6 miles
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 27, 2025
2. River of Good Fortune Marker
marker on the left
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2025, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 113 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2025, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
