Near Jeffrey City in Fremont County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Split Rock Meadows
Split Rock Relay Station, a crude log structure with a pole corral, was built at the base of the mass of rocks directly in front of you. It was used by both the Pony Express and the Overland Stage and until the early 1940s, was a U.S. Post Office.
The Pony Express generally followed the Oregon Trail through Wyoming to Fort Bridger which is located 185 miles west of here, then followed the existing mail route across Utah and Nevada to Sacramento, California.
A detachment of the 1st Independent Battalion Ohio Cavalry, which later became the 11th Ohio Cavalry, was garrisoned here in 1862. The troops provided escort for stagecoaches and emigrant wagon trains and protected the new telegraph lines.
Erected by Bureau of Land Management.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Trail, the Mormon Pioneer Trail, the Oregon Trail, and the Pony Express National Historic Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 42° 27.253′ N, 107° 32.745′ W. Marker is near Jeffrey City, Wyoming, in Fremont County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 287, one mile west of California Emigrant Road, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located at a BLM interpretive pullout on the north side of US Route 287 approx. 16 miles east of Jeffrey City and approx. 8 miles northwest of State Route 220. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jeffrey City WY 82310, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Split Rock (here, next to this marker); Pony Express (here, next to this marker); Trails to Opportunity (within shouting distance of this marker); Wild Horses (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Split Rock (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Split Rock (approx. 3.2 miles away); Muddy Gap (approx. 8.2 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 752 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 3, 4. submitted on December 23, 2012, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 5. submitted on July 5, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
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