Evanston in Uinta County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Bear River Watershed
Basin Geology
The Bear River Basin is part of an overthrust belt where geologic forces have thrust layers of older rock on top of younger rock. Over millions of years, a depression in the earth's surface formed, completely closed by mountains, creating the Bear River watershed.
Wildlife Habitat
The Bear River and its tributaries supply water to thousands of acres of wetlands, providing critical habitat for a wide variety of wildlife—including more than 75 species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Over 225 bird species have been identified in the basin area.
Valuable Resource
Since the early 1900s, the river has been harnessed for power generation and tapped for agricultural irrigation. More recently, recreation—such as hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing--has become another important use of the basin's resources.
Historical Times
The Shoshone, Bannock, and Ute Indians once inhabited the Bear River Basin. Fur trappers from the Hudson's Bay Company began to arrive as early as 1812. Between 1840 and 1870, more than 500,000 emigrants traveled westward through this region. Logs cut high in the Uinta Mountains were milled into ties and floated down the Bear River for construction of the Union Pacific Railroad.
Erected by Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Native Americans • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. 41° 15.887′ N, 110° 55.995′ W. Marker is in Evanston, Wyoming, in Uinta County. Marker can be reached from Bear River Drive, 0.3 miles south of Interstate 80, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located at the Bear River State Park Travel Information Center approx. 0.3 miles south of I-80 Exit 6. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Evanston WY 82931, 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. Wyoming's Sagebrush Sea (here, next to this marker); A Path Well-Traveled (here, next to this marker); The Wyoming State Hospital (approx. 0.9 miles away); Lincoln Highway — Sunset Cabins (approx. one mile away); Evanston (approx. 1.2 miles away); First Brick Church (approx. 1.6 miles away); Uinta County Courthouse (approx. 1.7 miles away); Evanston Downtown Historic District (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Evanston.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 489 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 21, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 6, 7. submitted on August 16, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.