Near Montpelier in Bear Lake County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
McAuley's Road
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2015
1. McAuley's Road Marker
Coming west with Ezra Meeker in 1852, Thomas McAuley decided to build a road to let emigrants bypass Big Hill. Worst of all Oregon Trail descents, Big Hill needed replacement. Eliza McAuley reported that her brother Tom "fished awhile, then took a ramble... and discovered a pass by which the mountain can be avoided by doing a little road building." With an emigrant crew, he opened a wagon toll road that followed current Highway 30. After 1852, no one maintained the new route and it fell into disuse.
Erected by Idaho Historical Society and Idaho Transportation Department. (Marker Number 456.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Idaho State Historical Society, and the Oregon Trail series lists.
Location. 42° 14.161′ N, 111° 13.989′ W. Marker is near Montpelier, Idaho, in Bear Lake County. Marker is on U.S. 30 at milepost 441.7 near Hunters Lane, on the right
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The McAuley Cutoff (here, next to this marker); Big Hill (here, next to this marker); Big Hill... (a few steps from this marker); Hot, Cold, Dry, Wet, Dusty, 2,000-Mile Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Idaho's Emigrant Trails (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Big Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); One Continual Stream (within shouting distance of this marker); Smith's Trading Post (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montpelier.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2015
2. McAuley's Road Marker
The marker is on the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 817 times since then and 148 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 21, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
